ST Engineering launches RSN’s eighth LMV

Singapore Technologies has launched the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN’s) eighth and final Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), Fearless, the company announced on 26 January.

The LMVs will replace the RSN’s existing Fearless-class patrol vessels. Measuring 80m in length and beam at 12m with displacement of 1,250t, the LMVs are 2.5 times larger than the current Fearless-class vessels.

The vessels’ command centre, where the bridge, combat information centre and machinery control room are co-located, integrates navigation, engineering and combat functions. The LMV’s mission modularity enables the ships to be configured for a wide range of operations including maritime security, mine clearing, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Ng Sing Chan, president for ST Marine, said: ‘Today marks a major milestone in the shipbuilding history of ST Engineering. Six years ago, together with MINDEF, RSN, and Defence Science and Technology Agency, we embarked on this journey to design and build these eight state-of-the-art Independence-Class Littoral Mission Vessels. This is the last of the eight to be launched and named.’

ST Engineering was awarded the contract by MINDEF to design and build the eight LMVs for the RSN in 2013.