TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine is in the final phase of being readied for sea acceptance tests, the Navy said Tuesday.

The tests had been scheduled to begin in April, but problems during harbor acceptance tests delayed the start. Nevertheless, the Navy said the Narwhal would be commissioned in November as planned, per CNA.

The sea acceptance tests were set to be completed by Sept. 30. If the November commissioning deadline is missed, the Navy said it would demand compensation from shipbuilder CSBC Corporation, Taiwan.

Once all safety conditions have been met, the Navy will decide when to start the sea acceptance tests, said the Ministry of National Defense. Elements that did not meet expectations during the earlier phase of harbor acceptance tests would have to be corrected by CSBC.

The Navy rejected media allegations by former Navy adviser Kuo Hsi (郭璽) that the next phase would not begin in May. The Navy also said it would not comment on Kuo's allegations such as water leaks.