Further Update of MMEA OPV

SHAH ALAM: Further update of the MMEA OPV. As reported previously, the first of class MMEA OPV, built by the THHE Destini JV, is expected to be launched late this year. Work on the three ships are progressing well, I am told, with 54 per cent work already completed.

The target I am told is for the first OPV to be launched late this year at the THHE Pulau Indah Fabrication Yard near Port Klang.

As reported previously, the MMEA OPV is derived from the Damen 1800 OPV design modified to suit MMEA requirements especially in increasing the number of personnel. The crew areas are designed like the Kedah-class fitted with attached bathroom facilities even for junior ratings.

The extra manpower requirements meant that the hangar capable of storing a medium-twin size helicopter of the original Damen 1800 OPV design will not exist on the MMEA OPV. The ships however retain the helipad for the same helicopter. The OPV is expected to be equipped with a VTOL UAV though a final decision has not been made. The type chosen is expected to be a stand alone system with little integration with the OPV system.

It is armed with a single 30mm RWS and a number of machineguns. A number of water cannons are also fitted around the ship for fire fighting as well as the non-lethal option in certain enforcement scenarios.

The MMEA OPV, designed with high mechanical redundancy, is fitted with four Caterpillar diesel engines, powering two screws; three generator sets and a single emergency generator set. The ship can cruise up to 16 knots with only generator set running.

— Malaysian Defence

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