Tests of the Training Ship “Bima Suci” in the Vigo Estuary

In recent days, the training ship “Bima Suci” has been conducting various tests in the waters of the Vigo estuary. It was built by the shipyard Construcciones Navales Paulino Freire on behalf of the Government of Indonesia for the country's Navy. Rigged as a barquentine, the figurehead was commissioned to Galician sculptor José Molares, and the architectural design was done by the Basque company Oliver Design.

The ship, valued at 64 million dollars, measures 110 m in length and 13.50 m in beam, and has a sail area of 3,500 square meters. The launching ceremony took place on October 17, 2016, with Mrs. Nora Tristyana, wife of Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, serving as the godmother of the event, along with other authorities present.

The Freire shipyard won the international competition in 2012, and delivery is expected in October 2017. In addition to its training mission, the new training ship will serve as Indonesia's sailing ambassador around the world, taking over from its predecessor, “Dewa Suci,” which was built in Germany and has been in service for 64 years.

Photos: Alfredo Campos Brandón (alfysumundonaval.com)