The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has awarded a contract to Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) to develop and deliver eight new naval vessels for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
Under the contract, the company’s ST Marine unit will build and deliver the new boats to replace the existing Fearless-class patrol vessels (PV).
Equipped with enhanced combat systems and integrated communications suite, the new vessels will support a range of maritime security operations for the RSN, including safeguarding the nation’s vital sea lines of communications more effectively.
As the lead system integrator, ST Marine will provide platform system integration, as well as core combat systems and combat system integration solutions in support of the new vessels.
A total of 12 Fearless-class patrol vessels were domestically designed and built by ST Marine in the 1990s for the RSN, with six armed for anti-submarine warfare missions, while the remaining are patrol vessels.
The 55m-long Fearless-class vessels have a displacement capacity of 500t, a beam of 8.5m and can accommodate a crew of 30.
Powered by two MTU 12V 595 TE 90 diesel engines, the ships of the class are equipped with MTU ship control monitoring and management systems (SCMMS), as well as waterjet propulsion to enhance manoeuvrability and the ability to operate in shallow waters.
The Fearless-class vessels are scheduled to retire in 2020, after completing more than 20 years of service with the RSN.
Work under the contract will be performed at the unit’s facility in Benoi Yard, Singapore.
The Singapore Navy is expected to receive the first new vessel in 2016 and all eight vessels are scheduled to be fully operational by 2020.
Image: Singapore Navy’s Fearless-class patrol vessel at sea. Photo: file image.
