First of 8 new S’pore-made Navy ships launched

SINGAPORE — The first in a family of eight new Navy ships, which will take over the Fearless-class vessels’ job of keeping out intruders, was unveiled yesterday.

The Littoral Mission Vessel, which is fiercer and smarter than the outgoing patrol ships, was launched in a ceremony held at Benoi Shipyard by Mrs Ivy Ng, the wife of Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

“May God bless her and all who sail on her,” said Mrs Ng before breaking a bottle of champagne on its hull.

Locally built by ST Marine, all eight Littoral Mission Vessels will be operational within the next five years, before the Fearless-class ships reach the end of their operational lifespan. The Fearless-class ships have been in service for about two decades.

The new ships can take on a range of missions, such as search and rescue or surveillance operations, by carrying on board naval helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

It is also more than twice as large and one-third faster than its predecessor. Its larger size enables it to hold more fuel and supplies, allowing it to stay out at sea longer.

Despite its greater size, the Littoral Mission Vessel is manned by 23 crew members, compared with the Fearless-class ships’ 30-person crew.

In terms of firepower, it is the Republic of Singapore Navy’s most-equipped vessel. Its arsenal of both non-lethal and lethal weapons ranges from a water cannon system to an OTO Melara 76mm gun.

The new ship is also more technologically advanced. Automated systems on board can tackle mundane tasks, such as firefighting and data consolidation, to leave the crew fully focused on their mission.

“The Littoral Mission Vessels are uniquely Singaporean, having been planned, conceptualised and built locally to meet our unique operations,” Dr Ng said at the launch. “ ... (It) is not just another new ship, but instead will lead the way in how we use technology to overcome operational demands.” AQIL HAZIQ MAHMUD