Damen Naval signs contract with Libra-Plast for Colombia’s PES frigate

July 14, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval has signed a procurement contract with Libra-Plast in Norway for the delivery of all watertight, weathertight, and gastight doors and hatches for the Colombian Navy’s PES frigate project.

Under this project, a Damen SIGMA frigate will be built by COTECMAR at its shipyard in Cartagena.

In September 2022, the Colombian Ministry of Defense announced that COTECMAR and Damen Naval would develop the new frigate. The vessel will have a length of 107.5 meters and a beam of 14.02 meters.

The PES frigate will be constructed using a modular block strategy, with its hull assembled from 52 individual steel blocks.

Based on Damen’s SIGMA 10514 design, the ship will have a displacement of about 2,800 tons, featuring advanced multi-mission capabilities for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.

Key systems will include Saab’s 9LV combat management system, Sea Giraffe 4A radar, BAE Systems’ Bofors 40 Mk4 gun, and Terma’s C-Guard decoy launcher, among others.

“The support received from Libra-Plast during the process of this ticket has been exemplary. We are looking forward to the FAT in September and subsequent delivery of the final products,” Frankwin de Wolf, Tactical Buyer at Damen Naval said.

“It has been a close collaboration phase to develop the project between the companies to make this happen. Being a part in Damen Naval’s future projects securing our seas is something that reflects our slogan “Protecting People and Values” as well. A huge thanks to all involved parties,” stated Åge M. Helgesen, Area Sales Manager at Libra-Plast.

COTECMAR held a steel-cutting ceremony for the first PES frigate in February this year, marking the official start of the construction process.