Nigerian Navy SDB Hull Completed

The Nigerian Navy (NN) 38m Seaward Defense Boat (SDB) project is a bold attempt at self-reliance in local construction of naval platforms. Since the Presidential directive at the commissioning of NNS Andoni, the CNS, V Adm Ezeoba has left no stone unturned towards the construction of SDB 2.

The 38M SDB is presently under construction at the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL). The project started with the construction of the inverted hull as a single unit, while the superstructure is being built as a separate entity. Upon completion of both units, they will now be welded together to achieve a single compact unit. The various segments of the superstructure have been fabricated and welded together.

On December 22, 2013, history was made in the NN, when upon completion of the hull, it was turned from the inverted position to the upright position and placed on keel blocks. This is the first time this evolution has taken place in the history of the NN, and this was executed with a 100 percent Nigerian team. The boat is now ready for the next stage of the project which includes; the welding of the superstructure, construction of tanks, piping systems, electrical installations and installation of propulsion machinery amongst others. The vessel is expected to be commissioned into the NN fleet in 2014.

navy.mil.ng