Singapore to procure four new German-designed offshore patrol vessels
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| The German Bundespolizei's Potsdam-class OPV, which will be the basis for Singapore's new OPV. Photo c/o Fassmer. |
The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has announced that it has signed a contract with German shipbuilder Fr. Frassmer GmBH & Co. KG (Fassmer) for the construction and delivery of four new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).
The new ships would be replacing the current Sentinel-class Maritime Security Response Vessels (MSRVs) in service with the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security and Response Flotilla.
According to MINDEF, the ships would be based on the proven OPV design already in operation with the German Bundespolizei (Federal Police),
German Bundespolizei operates the Fassmer 86m offshore patrol vessels, known as the Potsdam-class, which are expected to be the basis of the new Singaporean OPVs. These are steel-hulled, steel superstructure ships powered by 2 marine diesel engines and displaces at around 2,000 tonnes. It has a helicopter deck for 12T helicopters and space for five 20-foot mission containers and could be armed depending on the RSN’s requirements.
The ships will be designed with high manoeuvrability to operate in the busy waterways around Singapore. They will also have sufficient capabilities to deal with a wide range of maritime threats and emergencies in support of Singapore’s national security and law enforcement needs.
The new OPVs are scheduled for progressive delivery starting 2028, with the existing Sentinel-class MSRVs retiring in step with the operationalization of the new ships.
[1] Singapore Ministry of Defence
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
on
November 21, 2023
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