PT PAL and Denmark strengthen bilateral ties through maritime technology collaboration

Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL and Denmark are strengthening their bilateral relationship through the joint development and implementation of technology in the maritime industry.

“The cooperation between PT PAL and Denmark has a strong historical foundation,” said PT PAL Indonesia Director of Technology and Risk Management Briljan Gazalba in Surabaya on Tuesday.

Gazalba noted that bilateral relations between Indonesia and Denmark in the maritime sector are robust, citing the use of the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate design developed by Denmark’s OMT as the basis for the Arrowhead 140 project. Through technological mastery and advanced engineering processes, the design was further developed by PT PAL into the Merah Putih Frigate, tailored to meet national defence requirements.

He added that the bilateral cooperation extends beyond ship design to include key components in PT PAL’s vessels that utilise Danish technology. “We hope today’s visit can strengthen our friendship and open up more opportunities for future innovation collaboration,” he said.

Danish Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Sten Fridmodt Nielsen visited PT PAL Indonesia to reinforce bilateral relations whilst exploring broader collaboration opportunities in the maritime, shipbuilding, and technology development sectors. Nielsen commended PT PAL’s advancing capabilities, describing the company as a symbol of cutting-edge technology in Indonesia.

“Denmark would be very proud if our maritime expertise and technology could be given the opportunity to support and become part of the outstanding products here,” he said.

During the visit, the Danish ambassador and his delegation also inspected production facilities and reviewed the progress of several strategic projects being undertaken by PT PAL Indonesia. One of the projects observed was the construction of a Landing Dock warship ordered by the Philippine Navy, which is scheduled for launch at the end of June 2026.

The visit reflects the increasingly close relationship between Indonesia and Denmark in the maritime sector, whilst opening up broader opportunities for cooperation in technology development, industrial capability enhancement, and strengthening the maritime ecosystems of both countries.