In the bustling maritime sector of the Philippines, DM8 Composites stands out as a pioneer in constructing advanced patrol boats. Under the leadership of Nour Hariz, the general manager and lead designer, the company is making waves at industry exhibitions. With a commitment to innovation and quality, DM8 Composites, a part of Dynacast Shipyard and the Dynamic Group, aims to enhance the operational capabilities of various Philippine agencies.
During our conversation, Hariz explained the specifications and design flexibility of their latest patrol boat, which measures an impressive 20.2 meters in length. This vessel is not solely designed for the Philippine Coast Guard; instead, it is a multi-purpose craft that can be adapted to meet the specific needs of different agencies. “We did a version for the Philippine Coast Guard, having already delivered 30 boats for them using the same platform. We still have around ten more boats to be delivered this November,” she shared. This adaptability underscores DM8’s capacity to cater to the diverse operational demands of the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and other agencies.
The company has also built 20 vessels for the Bureau of Customs and 22 boats with different layouts for the Philippine National Police. These successful collaborations highlight DM8 Composites’ commitment to supporting local law enforcement and security agencies.
Hariz further elaborated on the technological advancements in their boat-building processes. “All the boats we’re constructing at DM8 Composites are made from fiberglass, adhering closely to international standards. We utilise a vacuum infusion process, a highly advanced technology, for the construction,” she noted. This modern technique not only ensures the quality of the vessels but also optimises the production process. While most of the workforce comprises Filipinos, the company also benefits from the expertise of middle management and consultants from Europe, providing a blend of local knowledge and international best practices.
DM8 Composites has the capacity to construct vessels up to 30 meters in length. “We have built 22-meter passenger boats and are currently working on a 26-meter vessel designed to accommodate 250 passengers,” Hariz said. This capability reflects their commitment to building safe, strong, and stable vessels that meet the diverse needs of their clients.
Delving into the background of DM8 Composites and Dynacast Shipyard, Hariz explained that the Dynamic Group, which started over 60 years ago in propeller manufacturing, established both entities less than seven years ago in Danao City, Cebu. “Dynacast Shipyard focuses on repairing large boats, while DM8 is dedicated to the new construction and repair of fiberglass vessels. We also have ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) and ISO 9001:2015 certifications, making us one of the few shipyards in the Philippines with such international credentials,” she stated.
With the Philippine government’s initiative to revitalise the shipbuilding industry, particularly in the defence sector, Hariz sees immense potential for growth and collaboration. “The Philippine government has a significant budget allocated for building quality vessels to meet the needs of the Navy, Coast Guard, and other agencies,” she explained. This financial backing presents an opportunity for DM8 Composites to contribute to the nation’s maritime security efforts.
“We ensure that our operations align with international standards. Even our consultants, with over 20 years of experience in Europe, have remarked that we are comparable to, if not better than, shipyards in France,” she remarked proudly. This assertion of capability reinforces DM8’s commitment to delivering high-quality vessels that can compete on a global scale.
Hariz emphasised the importance of trust and support from government agencies in the Philippines. “We are proud of what we’re accomplishing here because we can deliver superior products at competitive prices. Building in the Philippines allows us to create jobs and contribute to the local economy,” she stated.
Furthermore, she pointed out the importance of after-sales support, which DM8 Composites can offer more effectively than foreign manufacturers. “With offices, technicians, and support representatives stationed across the Philippines, we can provide better service to our clients than if they were to procure similar-class boats from abroad,” she explained.
In conclusion, DM8 Composites, under Nour Hariz’s leadership, exemplifies the potential of the Philippine shipbuilding industry. With a focus on quality, adaptability, and local empowerment, the company is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the nation’s maritime agencies while contributing to the broader goals of enhancing the Philippines’ maritime capabilities.
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