Colombia Launches First Indigenous Frigate Construction
On February 5, 2025, Colombia’s COTECMAR Shipyard marked a significant milestone with the first steel-cutting ceremony for the nation’s inaugural Strategic Surface Platform (PES) frigate. This groundbreaking project represents a leap forward in Colombian naval engineering, showcasing the country’s growing capabilities in shipbuilding. The initiative aims to bolster the national defense industry while creating thousands of jobs.
Significance of the PES Frigate Project
The construction of the PES frigate is a landmark achievement for Colombia, as it is the first of its kind to be built domestically. This project is spearheaded by the Corporation for Science and Technology for the Development of the Naval, Maritime and Riverine Industry (COTECMAR) in collaboration with the Colombian Navy. Vice Admiral Luis Fernando Márquez Velosa, President of COTECMAR, emphasized the importance of this venture during the ceremony, stating, “At COTECMAR, we will continue moving forward, building the future and demonstrating that Colombian naval engineering is of world-class standard.”
From a technical perspective, the frigate will utilize a modular construction approach, comprising 52 naval steel blocks. The vessel will measure 107.5 meters in length, 14.02 meters in beam, and have a draft of 3.90 meters, making it the largest security and defense vessel in Colombia’s history. With this development, Colombia joins Mexico and Brazil as the only Latin American nations capable of constructing such advanced naval platforms.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The PES project is expected to have a substantial economic impact, generating approximately 1,500 direct jobs and an estimated 4,000 additional indirect and induced jobs throughout the construction phase. This employment boost is crucial for the local economy and aligns with the government’s efforts to promote skilled labor in the maritime sector. The frigate is slated for formal delivery to the Colombian Navy by 2030, marking a significant step in enhancing the country’s naval capabilities.
As the project progresses, it will not only strengthen Colombia’s defense infrastructure but also foster a sustainable shipbuilding industry, ensuring that local talent is developed and retained. The successful completion of the PES frigate will undoubtedly serve as a testament to Colombia’s growing prowess in naval engineering and its commitment to advancing its maritime capabilities.
