RSN’s sixth LMV launched

Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine) has launched the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN's) sixth Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), Fortitude, the company announced on 24 March. 

Fortitude is part of an eight-vessel LMV build that will replace the RSN’s current fleet of Fearless-class patrol vessels. The new LMVs are 2.5 times larger than the existing vessels with better sea-keeping capabilities.

To date, ST Marine has delivered four vessels to the RSN including LMV Independence, LMV Sovereignty, LMV Unity and LMV Justice. The fifth vessel, LMV Indomitable, was launched in 2017. The build of the seventh and eighth are underway.

Ng Sing Chan, president, ST Marine, said: ‘The launch of the sixth LMV Fortitude today brings us another step closer to the completion of the LMV programme. The milestones to date could not have been achieved without the collaboration of the Defence and Science Technology, RSN and our industry partners and I extend my warmest appreciation to them.

‘We are honoured to be able to contribute to RSN’s robust seaward defence of Singapore, which will be strengthened further when all eight LMVs are delivered in 2020.’