SHAH ALAM: The main picture of this post is the CGI of the Fassmer Defence 90 metre multi-purpose ship. The ship according to German-headquartered Fassmer is:
A new breed of ships, Fassmer MPVs (Multipurpose Patrol Vessels) are oriented to meet Combat Support duties, while remaining at a reasonable size for extensive use in day-to-day operations as a logistic and patrol ships. This concept provides for operational flexibility, higher vessel availability and lifecycle logistics saving. Either serving as navy support vessels or as government emergency response ships, Fassmer MPVs are conceptualized to provide Human Aid and Disaster relief in a large scale with fix hospital capabilities, as well as pre-conceptualized modular and deployable additional medical modules. The capabilities of the MPVs is quite extended, with the larger ones able to operate multiple landing spots for helicopters or UAVs.
So, how is this going to be the second design to be adopted by the MMEA? It nearly became one as MMEA had sought a similar design in a tender for single multi-purpose mission ship (MPMS) last March. The tender was subsequently cancelled and as usual without any explaination.
The cancelled specification called for
. Design from Fassmer or equivalent. The designer
shall expert in-house design and have a dedicated engineering team that
works closely with the clients.
7.1 General structure. Length Overall (LOA) – At least 95 meters Hard copy
of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this part
must be submitted (Mandatory). Please Refer to Attachment 1
7.2 Breadth Overall- Approx. 17 meters Hard copy of
catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this part
Page 4 / 45
must be submitted (Mandatory). Please Refer to Attachment 1
7.3 Draught (max load displacement)- Approx. 4 metres. Hard copy of
catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this part
must be submitted (Mandatory). Please Refer to Attachment 1
7.4 Maximum Speed (full load displacement at maximum continuous rating
(MCR) of the main propulsion)- Not less than 20 knots. Hard copy of
catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this part
must be submitted (Mandatory). Please Refer to Attachment 1
7.5 Continuous Cruising Speed-Not less than 16 knots. Hard copy of
catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this part
must be submitted (Mandatory). Please Refer to Attachment 1
Well, Fassmer Defence has two versions of the MPV that suits the above specifications, the MPV 90 and MPV 100.
MPV 90 Length overall: 90.70 m Beam overall: 17.00 m Speed: 20-22 kn Displacement (abt.): 3200 t
MPV 100 Length overall: 100.20 m Beam overall: 17.40 m Speed: 20-22 kn Displacement (abt.): 4400 t
If this tender is republished and the Fassmer MPV design that is selected, it will be the second time for the German company for MMEA. The Bagan Datuk-class Next Generation Patrol Craft was developed from a Fassmer patrol boat design.
Based on what happened to the Bagan-Datuk class, I am not too sure the MMEA MPMS will look anything like the Fassmer MPV though. They may use the hull and machinery arrangement (as its likely from a proven design) but the rest will be less purposeful and useful.
The MPMS specifications call for 30mm RWS like the Aselsan SMASH – already in service with the Bagan Datuk and slated for the OPV and a couple of machine guns. The MPV pictured here is fitted with a 57mm gun, three 30mm RWS and a SAM launcher.
To be honest, I prefer a 40mm gun (either from Oto Melara or BAE Systems) than the 30mm RWS, the rounds are much more capable and readily available.
Unfortunately, I did not get any inkling whether MPMS will be retender soon while at LIMA 2023. This was the same for the four helicopters tendered out by MMEA last year. It is interesting to note that the MMEA MPMS tender was published and cancelled some six months after a tender for two motherships for the Marine Police. There is nothing new about this tender as well during LIMA.
It must be noted that the same Fassmer design at 120 metrer could be suitable for the RMN’s long delayed and still unfunded MRSS.
— Malaysian Defence
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From the fassmer design seems like MMEA is looking for something with a flex deck. Would have preferred the absalon to be choosen thought
Why should be the Absalon though as it is a combat ship design
Its quite small to show off forces. Prefer to have LPD like Makassar..
This fassmer 90 design more like multi role littoral support vessel.. 😅
super mini aircraft carrier 😂
IMHO, I think the 120m is too small, only 6000t. I think something like 140 to 160m might be better, remember it has to be something with growth potential too (but not too big either).
For what MRSS or for the Coast Guard use? 160 metre is a ship too far for either
Zaft – ”Would have preferred the absalon to be choosen thought”
While we’re at it why not visit Blohm & Voss at Hamburg and ask them if they still have the drawings for the Bismarck and Tirpitz?
Tom Tom – ”remember it has to be something with growth potential too (but not too big either).”
Operational requirements; the budget; etc, etc. The MMEA might not need something with growth potential per see.
Hyde – ”Its quite small to show off forces.”
Who’s interested in ”show off forces”? We need something functional, practical and something we can afford to run.