ST Marine Launches Sixth LMV, Fortitude
Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine), the marine arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), has successfully launched the sixth Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), Fortitude, designed and built for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
The ceremony, held at ST Marine’s Benoi Yard, was officiated by Mr Ng Chee Meng, Minister for Education (Schools) and Second Minister for Transport. Mr Ng’s spouse, Mrs Michelle Ng was the lady sponsor who named and launched the vessel in accordance with naval traditions. The event was witnessed by many senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces.
Fortitude is part of an eight-vessel LMV programme started in 2013 and is slated to replace the RSN’s current fleet of Fearless-class Patrol Vessels, also designed and built by ST Marine in the 1990s. The LMVs are 2.5 times larger, and possess better sea-keeping capabilities to operate in higher sea state conditions, amongst other attributes.
ST Marine has delivered four vessels till date, LMV Independence, LMV Sovereignty, LMV Unity and LMV Justice. The fifth vessel, LMV Indomitable was launched in 2017; the keel was laid for the seventh LMV and steel was also cut for the eighth LMV last year.
“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 DSTA, RSN and our industry partners, and I extend my warmest appreciation to them,” said Ng Sing Chan, President for ST Marine. “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.”
