BRP Jose Rizal to undergo sea trials off South Korea

November 22, 2019

BRP Jose Rizal will be the first of the two units of multi-mission capable frigate of the Philippine Navy to undergo historic sea trials off the waters of South Korea.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, acting public affairs director of the Philippine Navy, said FF150 will undergo various sea trials from Nov. 23 to 27.

Roxas said the sea trials will be conducted by the technical crew of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

"The 351 by 46-feet frigate will sail towards the open waters off Ulsan, Busan and Mokpo in South Korea to measure its performance and general seaworthiness," she said.

"Representatives from Lloyd Registry shall witness the activity to ensure that the ship’s construction has met the required standards," she added.

Roxas said sea trials will be the last phase of construction prior the frigate’s delivery to the Philippines set tentatively in April or May 2020.

"This will take place six months after the vessel was launched (to the water) for the first time at HHI Shipyard last May," she said.

"The activity signifies that the PN is inching closer to its dream of acquiring highly capable warships. Its crew and maintenance personnel is currently undergoing training in ROK," said Roxas.

"The ship provides leverage for the Navy’s bid of becoming stronger and more credible force that the Philippines as a maritime nation can be proud of," she added.

Roxas emphasized that the "P8 billion warship is a big-ticket acquisition of the AFP that is poised to be the benchmark of PN’s transformation journey."

The warship is capable of conducting Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare  and Electronic Warfare Operations and it is fully equipped with surface to air and surface to surface missiles, torpedoes, launchers and weapon systems," she said. Robina Asido/DMS