Navy corvette to get P249-M marine engine upgrade

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) earmarked P249.76 million for the marine engineering upgrade of BRP Artemio Ricarte, among the most modern assets of the Philippine Navy.

The Ricarte, a Jacinto-class corvette, will soon be overhauled and its engine improved as part of the second phase of the JCPV Marine Engineering Upgrade Project, the agency said in a bidding invitation on Wednesday.

The funds will be sourced from the military's modernization program allocation.

The project's initial phase completed in 2005 involved the installation of a new M242 Bushmaster 25-millimeter cannon as well as the upgrade of command, control and fire systems.

Also included was the installation of Raytheon gyro compass, Sperry marine naval BridgeMaster E series surface search radar, GPS, anemometer and EM logs.

Last year's bidding for the project's second phase, allocated with a budget of P216 million, failed as the lone bidder, Keppel Marine Philippines Inc., failed to meet some documentary requirements.

Interested bidders are required to have completed a similar project within the last five years and must be able to deliver the items and services within 180 calendar days, the statement noted.

A pre-bid conference is set on November 27, while the opening is scheduled on December 9.

The BRP Artemio Ricarte was transferred to the Philippine Navy in 1997 after it served the Hong Kong Squadron of the British Royal Navy.

Phase 3 of the upgrade project aims to extend the vessel's life in service.