ROXAS City – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) may extend its contract with a local maritime company in New Washington, Aklan for the research and fabrication of a trimaran vessel using hybrid energy.
DOST secretary Fortunato Dela Peña – who was in this capital city recently for a DOST regional forum – said the government’s two-year contract with Metallica Maritime Consultancy was behind schedule due to the procurement requirements.
“The project may be delayed due to the procurement requirements [but] we can extend the contract as soon as the need arises,” added Dela Peña.
The trimaran vessel project is also conducted in partnership with the Aklan State University and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development.
In February, the DOST vowed to provide P76 million for the research and fabrication of the modern boat, which Metallica’s Chief Engineer Jonathan Salvador said would use a combination of gas and ocean wave energy.
“If this materializes, the Philippines will be the first country in the world to have fabricated this kind [of a trimaran vessel],” Salvador added.
According to the DOST, the vessel can carry around 100 passengers and four vehicles./PN
