ST Marine launches first of eight LMVs for Singapore Navy

JULY 6, 2015 — Shipbuilder Singapore Technologies Marine last week held the launching ceremony for the Independence, the first Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) in a series of eight for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The first in class vessel was launched by Mrs. Ivy Ng, wife of the Minister for Defense, Dr. Ng Eng Hen at ST Marine’s Benoi shipyard.

ST Marine won the contract to design and build eight LMVs for the RSN in 2013. The vessels are expected to be delivered from 2016 onwards. These new vessels will replace the RSN’s existing Fearless-class Patrol Vessels that were indigenously designed and built by ST Marine in the 1990s.

Although larger in size than their predecessors, the LMVs will be able to operate with a leaner crew size. Adopting the concept of “mission modularity”, the vessels are highly configurable and can embark a range of mission modules to meet the specific mission needs.

“Today’s ceremony is yet another significant and important milestone in the symbiotic relationship between the Republic of Singapore Navy and ST Marine. We are proud to be continuing a long tradition of building the finest vessels for the Republic of Singapore Navy. This launch of the first Littoral Mission Vessel, Independence is possible only with the professional cooperation and commitment from the Defense Science and Technology Agency and the Republic of Singapore Navy. ST Marine is privileged to be working with such fine partners,” said Ng Sing Chan, President, ST Marine

All eight Littoral Mission Vessels (LMV) will be powered by MTU Series 4000 diesel engines. Each LMV will be equipped with four of these engines, known for their low consumption and long service life, with each unit producing 4,300 kW (57,66 bhp) at 2,100 rpm.

Main particulars of the LMVs are:

• Length: 80 meters
• Beam: 12 meters
• Displacement: 1,200 tonnesSpeed: In excess of 27 knots
• Range: 3,000 nautical miles
• Crew: Up to 30 core crew plus up to 30 mission crew
• Weapons: Point Defense System, 76 mm OTO Melara SRG,Typhoon Mk25 SNGS, 2 x 12.7mm Hitrole RWS