PT PAL launches third Tarlac-class LPD for Philippine Navy

Indonesia's state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has launched the third Tarlac-class Landing Platform Dock it is building for the Philippine Navy. Launched at PT PAL's Surabaya yard on 30 June, the ship, pennant LD-603, is the first of a two-ship follow-on order placed in 2022, with the fourth LPD due later this year.

Compared with the first two ships already in service, the third and fourth vessels feature a larger side ramp door and a larger vehicle deck to ease embarkation and carry bigger vehicles; each will also carry two landing craft utility ordered from Indonesia. The ship will now undergo outfitting and harbour and sea acceptance tests before delivery later this year. Officials said the LPD will boost the Philippine Navy's amphibious, humanitarian-relief and power-projection capabilities.

LD-603 is 124 m long with a 21.8 m beam, 7,200-tonne standard displacement, 16-knot maximum speed, 9,360-nautical-mile range and capacity for up to 680 personnel.

Source: Naval News (via Maasmond Maritime press clippings).