Offshore patrol vessel (Singapore)
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- Development: Fassmer
- Builder: Western Baltic Shipyard
Republic of Singapore Navy| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders |
|
| Operators | Republic of Singapore Navy |
| Preceded by | Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels |
| Built | 2024–present |
| On order | 4 |
| Building | 4 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Offshore patrol vessel |
| Armament |
|
| Notes | Sources: [1][2] |
An unnamed class of four offshore patrol vessels (OPV) is being constructed for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), which will succeed the Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels. The OPVs are scheduled to be delivered progressively to the RSN from 2028. German firm Fassmer will develop the class, while Western Baltic Shipyard will build the ships, before Fassmer commences the fitting out process.
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The Republic of Singapore Navy began operating the Fearless-class patrol vessel in 1996, eventually decommissioning the final units in December 2020.[3] In response to a spike in piracy within the Singapore Strait, it was announced in March 2020 that new purpose-built vessels would be acquired.[4] As an interim measure, four Fearless-class were refurbished and recommissioned as Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRV), with two units entering service in 2021 and the remaining two in 2022.[5]
As of 2021, the new class was in the early design phase to replace the MSRVs.[6][7] ST Engineering, Luerssen, and Fassmer were the bidders for the contract for the new class of offshore patrol vessels.[8] The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced the signing of a contract with Fassmer on 20 November 2023 for the purchase of four ships. Fassmer will develop the new class based on the existing OPV 80 Potsdam-class design serving in the German Federal Coast Guard.[9]
The ships are being built by Western Baltic Shipyard in Klaipeda, Lithuania, and will be fitted out by Fassmer in Berne, Germany.[2] The class is planned for phased delivery from 2028 onwards.[10]
Design and construction
The steel cutting of all four OPVs was held in the Western Baltic Shipyard on 11 October 2024.[1] Subsequently, the first two OPVs had their keels laid on 7 April 2025.[2][11]
Capabilities
Italian firm Sitep Italia will provide the multirole acoustic stabilized system as part of the OPV's non-lethal suite.[12]
