Uruguay’s choice to procure two patrol vessels from Spain has stirred controversy, especially within the local metallurgical industry.
The criticism stems from the belief that the decision overlooks the country’s domestic shipbuilding capacity.
The National Union of Metal Workers and Related Branches (UNTMRA) has challenged the decision, asserting that the Uruguayan shipbuilding industry possesses the skills and experience required to build such vessels.
The Ministry of Defense opted for the Spanish-made ships to enhance the naval defense capabilities, given the aging and deteriorating state of the current fleet.
The Spanish vessels, costing around US$92 million, will be delivered in early 2025.
This procurement decision follows a nullified public auction where bids exceeded the government’s set budget of US$100 million.
UNTMRA criticized the move, especially at a time when approximately 300 skilled naval workers are unemployed.
They projected that the local construction of these vessels could have created up to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The Spanish vessels will join three Protector-class ships donated by the U.S. to the Uruguayan Navy in 2022.
This donation was made to deter Uruguay from acquiring patrol vessels from China.
Meanwhile, UNTMRA continues to champion for a National Shipbuilding Development Plan.
This initiative aims to revitalize the local shipbuilding industry, arguing that it would have significant economic and social impacts, including enhancing food sovereignty.
The union believes that national shipbuilding can offer more than economic benefits, emphasizing its potential for social and security improvement through job creation.