Dutch shipyard Damen has signed an agreement with Nevesbu, another Dutch company, to provide engineering support in constructing Colombia’s Sigma-class frigates.
The contract encompasses basic and detailed engineering work to complete the program, which is expected to produce up to five modern warships for Bogotá’s naval force.
It will also enable Colombia’s local program partner Cotecmar to build the system under license domestically.
Damen noted that Nevesbu’s expertise includes naval architecture and systems integration.
Colombia’s lead Sigma hull is expected to be delivered in 2030.
“This project highlights the power of collaboration within the Damen Shipyards Group, with Nevesbu’s advanced naval architecture and platform systems integration capabilities playing a key role,” Damen Naval Project Director Jasper Oreel stated.
“Through our shared expertise, we contribute to a strong, self-sufficient defence industry in Colombia.”
The Sigma System
The Sigma family of vessels is Damen’s proprietary product of frigates and corvettes offered to international militaries, some of which were modified in previous programs according to customer requirements.
Frigates under the Sigma series each measure about 105 meters (344 feet) and have a 14-meter (46-foot) beam.
It can carry over 120 people, a helicopter weighing up to 10 tons (9,072 kilograms/19,958 pounds), and two rigid-hull inflatable boats.
The ship is powered by two electric diesel engines and six generators for a maximum speed of 28 knots (52 kilometers/32 miles per hour), a range of 9,260 kilometers (5,754 miles), and up to 20 days of endurance.
The Sigma frigate is fitted with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile launchers, decoy launchers, torpedoes, internal and external communication systems, and advanced surveillance and sonar technologies.
