Singapore's Fourth Littoral Mission Vessel Launched
Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine), the marine arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), launched the fourth Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), Justice, designed and built for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
The ceremony was officiated by Dr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Senior Minister of State (Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs), who took on the role as the lady sponsor in accordance with naval traditions to name and launch the vessel at ST Marine’s Benoi Yard. The event was witnessed by many senior officials from Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces.
“The LMV program is progressing well. Today marks yet another significant milestone for the team, the launch of the fourth Littoral Mission Vessel – Justice. Our sincere thanks to all project teams from MINDEF, DSTA, RSN and our many other partners for their collaborative effort, hard-work and commitment. We all look forward to the commissioning of the first LMV Independence in May this year,” said Ng Sing Chan, President for ST Marine.
ST Marine was awarded the contract by MINDEF in 2013 to design and build eight LMVs for the RSN. The fleet of the eight LMVs will replace the Fearless 55 Patrol Vessels designed and built by ST Marine in the 1990s. The first two, named, LMV Independence and LMV Sovereignty were delivered in 2016. The third, LMV Unity and the fourth, LMV Justice will be delivered in the first and second half 2017 respectively. Both LMVs are currently undergoing the Checkout, Integration and Testing (CIT) for weapon and sensor systems on-board.
The rest of the vessels are under construction or in the preconstruction phase. The LMV program is expected to be completed in 2020.