New submarine maintenance deal for Boustead DCNS Naval Corp.

PARIS, April 9 (UPI) -- The Malaysian Navy's 2000-type Scorpene conventional submarines are to continue to receive through-life support services from Boustead DCNS Naval Corporation.

DCNS, the French naval company that is a partner in the joint venture business with Malaysia's Boustead Heavy Industries Corp., said the maintenance support contract was signed last month and will remain in force for a period of two years.

Included in maintenance activities, the contract also covers the operation and maintenance of the industrial infrastructures for maintenance of submarines and part of the procurement required to carry out future repair and overhaul services.

The two submarines are the Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Tun Razak, which are based at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

"This cooperation with the Royal Malaysian Navy offers BDNC the opportunity to play an important role in helping Malaysia to maintain and develop a submarine force," DCNS said. "BDNC is completely committed to allow Malaysia to be in the exclusive club of navies with a submarine force."

Malaysia's DCNS-made Scorpene submarines are diesel-electric vessels with a length of about 219 feet and an endurance of 45 days. Each displaces 1,150 tons and carries a crew of 31 sailors. The submarines were delivered to the Malaysian Navy in 2009.

The value of the support contract was not disclosed.