Indonesian Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) held the official launching ceremony for its newest ocean-going Hydro-Oceanographic Support Vessel (Bantu Hidro Oseanografi, BHO). The event took place at the Palindo Marine shipyard in Batam and was officiated by Major General Steverly C. Parengkuan, representing the Minister of Defense. This project is part of a larger collaboration between Indonesia and the German shipbuilder Abeking & Rasmussen. The BHO vessel is designed to conduct high-resolution surveys and mapping operations across coastal regions, shallow waters, and deep ocean zones. Built under an offset agreement between Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense and Abeking & Rasmussen, the hull of the vessel was constructed locally by PT Palindo Marine. This partnership marks another step in Indonesia’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in its defense industry, with an eye on stimulating the national economy and enhancing the nation’s welfare.
The construction of the BHO vessel is a testament to Indonesian Navy’s commitment to developing a modern and self-sufficient defense industry. The collaboration with Abeking & Rasmussen demonstrates our dedication to fostering technological development and infrastructure within Indonesia’s defense sector. Following the launch, the ocean-going Hydro-Oceanographic Support Vessel will be transported to Germany, where it will undergo outfitting with advanced oceanographic equipment at the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard. These high-tech systems are vital to ensuring the vessel’s capacity for deep-sea exploration, surveying, and underwater object detection, especially in emergency situations. Designed with a high-tensile steel structure, the BHO vessel boasts a maximum speed of 16 knots and a total weight of 3,419 tons. It is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, giving it an operational endurance of up to 60 days while carrying a crew of 90 personnel.
The ocean-going Hydro-Oceanographic Support Vessel is also fitted with a helipad capable of accommodating helicopters with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 12 tons, making it suitable for extended operations in remote or inaccessible areas. The vessel’s advanced underwater sensors can survey ocean depths ranging from 600 meters to a staggering 11,000 meters. This capability is particularly crucial for search and recovery missions, as well as other underwater exploration tasks. In addition to its sophisticated oceanographic systems, the BHO is equipped with a 20mm and 12.7mm gun for defense purposes, as well as state-of-the-art surveillance, maneuvering, and station-keeping systems. The project, noting that such advanced defense equipment is crucial for the successful execution of survey and mapping missions. Without adequate support from modern assets like the ocean-going Hydro-Oceanographic Support Vessel, Indonesian Navy ability to conduct these critical operations would be severely limited.
As Indonesia, an archipelagic nation, continues to prioritize its maritime interests, the addition of the BHO vessel to its naval fleet reflects the country’s broader strategy to enhance maritime security and bolster its oceanographic research capabilities. The vessel’s ability to perform high-resolution surveys and mapping not only strengthens national defense but also supports environmental monitoring, resource exploration, and disaster response initiatives. This latest addition to Indonesia’s growing defense fleet highlights the importance of technological advancement and international collaboration in maintaining a strong and independent maritime defense posture. With the BHO’s launch, Indonesia takes another bold step towards securing its vast maritime domain while promoting self-reliance in its defense industry. As the BHO sets sail for its final outfitting phase in Germany, Indonesia’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities remains steadfast, with this vessel standing as a symbol of progress in both maritime operations and domestic industry growth.
