ST Marine Launches First LMV for RSN

Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine), the marine arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), held the Launching ceremony for the first Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) - Independence built for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The vessel was launched by Mrs Ivy Ng, wife of the Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen at ST Marine's Benoi yard. The ceremony was officiated by Dr Ng Eng Hen and witnessed by the Second Minister for Defence, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, along with senior Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officials.

The launch of Independence, the first in-class LMV, marks another significant milestone for the LMV programme. The LMVs will be able to carry out maritime security operations and safeguarding of our sea lines of communications more effectively and efficiently. Although larger in size, with an innovative design, the LMVs will be able to operate with a leaner crew size. Adopting the concept of "mission modularity", these vessels are highly configurable and can embark a range of mission modules to meet the specific mission needs.

ST Marine won the contract, awarded by MINDEF, 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.

"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 Defence Science and Technology Agency and the Republic of Singapore Navy. ST Marine is privileged to be working with such fine partners." ~ NG Sing Chan, President, ST Marine