Delivered First of Six Philippine Navy Vessels Featuring Rotary Vane Steering
- paulwagner1
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
Autonav® Celebrates Delivery of First of Six Philippine Navy Offshore Patrol Vessels Featuring Rotary Vane Steering
Autopos Marine Inc. DBA Autonav® is proud to announce the successful delivery of the first of six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Philippine Navy, the BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20). This milestone vessel, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), marks a significant step forward in enhancing the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities, and it proudly incorporates Autonav®’s advanced, Rotary Vane Steering technology.
The 2,400-ton Sulayman-class OPV departed the HD Hyundai HHI shipyard in Ulsan on January 13, 2026, bound for the Philippines. Autonav®’s commitment to providing reliable and efficient marine propulsion solutions is central to this program. Our Rotary Vane Steering system ensures superior maneuverability and steering responsiveness, critical features for vessels performing long-duration patrol and surveillance missions across challenging operational environments.
Enhancing the Philippines’ Naval Fleet
The Sulayman-class OPVs are part of a critical ₱30 billion ($573 million) defense contract. Each vessel, measuring 94 meters in length and 14 meters in beam, is designed for endurance, featuring an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 15 knots.
Key Specifications of the Sulayman-class OPV:
Displacement: 2,400 tons
Length: 94 meters
Beam: 14 meters
Cruising Speed: 15 knots (approx. 28 km/h)
Range: 5,500 nautical miles (approx. 10,186 km)
In addition to Autonav®’s steering system, the BRP Rajah Sulayman is equipped with modern armaments and sensor suites, including a Leonardo Super Rapid 76mm main gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm secondary gun, and Terma C-Guard decoy systems.
A Growing Partnership in Naval Modernization
The successful delivery of the BRP Rajah Sulayman is a testament to the strong collaboration between HD Hyundai HHI and its key technology partners like Autonav®.
"The delivery of the BRP Rajah Sulayman is a moment of pride for the entire Autonav team," said Paul Wagner, CEO of Autopos Marine Inc. DBA Autonav®. "Our Rotary Vane Steering system is engineered for maximum performance and durability, directly contributing to the Philippine Navy’s ability to conduct its vital missions safely and effectively. We look forward to supporting the Philippine Navy’s continued modernization efforts as the remaining five vessels in this class are delivered."
The remaining ships in the class, including the BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), which was launched last November, are expected to be delivered in the coming months, each integrated with the same trusted Autonav® technology.
About Autopos Marine Inc. DBA Autonav®:
Autopos Marine Inc. DBA Autonav® is a global leader in marine technology, specializing in cutting-edge steering and propulsion systems. Autonav®'s Rotary Vane Steering technology is trusted by naval and commercial fleets worldwide for its reliability, precise control, and operational efficiency, supporting critical maritime operations around the globe.