On 7 April the Keel-Laying Ceremony for two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) was held at Western Baltic Shipyard in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The ceremony was officiated by the Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, and attended by the Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat and other Singaporean and Lithuanian dignitaries.
In his address, Vice Admiral Beng said, “Beyond the OPVs, this project is about building enduring partnerships and fostering shared commitments. Given the remarkable progress, from contract signing to keel laying in just 17 months, I am confident that the teams will continue to work well together.”
The RSN OPVs are based on the Fassmer designed and built Potsdam-class in service with the German Federal Police. The 1,800 tonne ships are 86 metres long and are powered by two Wartsila diesel engines with a maximum speed of 21 knots. The ships have a helicopter deck able to take a Super Puma sized helicopter. They will be armed with a single BAE Systems Bofors 57 Mk.3 and two .50 calibre machine guns.
The first two OPVs are expected to join the RSN from 2028 onwards. A further two OPVs will be also be built. They will progressively replace the Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs).
Sources: RSN and Fassmer
