(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – After nearly three years of undergoing refit work, the KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin from the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) 24th Corvette Squadron has finally been handed back to the RMN.
The KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin is the second vessel, following the KD Perkasa, to undergo scheduled refit maintenance, including a re-hull and repowering process.
According to a recent social media statement by the RMN, the ceremony for the acceptance of the warship was officiated by First Admiral Ts. Shaiful Bahari Baharuddin, Commander of the Western Fleet Logistics, at the Grade One Marine Shipyard Sdn Bhd.
The ceremony was also attended by Vice Admiral Dato’ Ts. Shamsuddin Haji Ludin, Commander of the Western Fleet.
“This re-hull approach represents a paradigm shift in the implementation of scheduled maintenance for RMN vessels at shipyards.
“Traditionally, hull maintenance would involve replating. However, due to three primary factors—speed, cost-competitiveness, and longer durability—the re-hull method was implemented despite initial skepticism. This approach serves as an interim measure for scheduled maintenance of aging vessels,” according to the RMN statement.
As a result of this re-hull initiative, the KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin has been revitalized with enhanced operational capabilities, extended lifespan, and improved supportability.
Notably, all project activities were carried out entirely by local talent, showcasing the capabilities of the national maritime defense industry.
One of the unique aspects of this project was the repowering process and the replacement of a significant portion of the vessel’s hull using the re-hull concept.
In the re-hull concept, a new hull block is constructed, and some of the equipment from the old hull is removed, refurbished, and installed in the new hull without altering the original design.
In essence, a large part of the old hull is scrapped as metal waste.
The repowering process involves the replacement of all major machinery, gearboxes, shafting, propellers, and power generation sets, including switchboards and related cables.
“Thanks to the repowering and re-hull initiatives, the KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin has been given a new lease on life, with improved operational capabilities, extended lifespan, better supportability, and a high return on investment for the RMN and the government.”
Meanwhile, Grade One Marine Shipyard Sdn Bhd, in a post on its official Facebook account, stated that it successfully completed the scheduled refit of the KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin.
“This refit is more than just routine maintenance; it is a transformational effort. Through the re-hull process and the upgrading of vital government assets, the KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin has been rejuvenated—like rebirthing a stronger and more capable sea warrior,” the company said.
Grade One Marine Shipyard hopes that this “reborn warrior” will continue to serve in the RMN’s inventory, ensuring the defense of the nation’s maritime readiness. — DSA