Malaysian expertise attracts BAE

The future looks promising for a BAE Systems-Labuan Shipyard and Engineering Sdn Bhd (LSE) tie-up. The British firm is so impressed with the Malaysian company that it is in “detailed discussions” to become one of its suppliers. BAE Systems managing director (Asia Pacific) Steve Meighan said this following discussions with LSE over the upcoming deal to build two frigates for the Royal Malaysian Navy at the Labuan shipyard.

This had left company representatives so impressed that they had recommended working with LSE on other projects. “We’ve enjoyed our discussions with LSE. We are really impressed with their willingness to work on the planning process,” he said. BAE Systems is planning to give LSE the contract to produce certain parts for its latest destroyer, the Type 45, and its aircraft carriers.

These parts would be the same as those produced by LSE for the RMN frigates when the deal finally goes through. This would mean that the company will have the right tools and machinery to produce these parts for the Type 45 and the aircraft carriers. These parts would be above deck structures such as the hatches, bridge and mast.

“This is not part of the offset programme for the frigates. It’s a win-win situation. We get quality work at a lower price,” Meighan said.