(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV1) was officially handed over by TH Heavy Engineering Berhad (THHE) to the Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) in a special ceremony on the vessel held last night.
During the event, Datuk Ruji Ubi, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, was present to officially receive the OPV1, which was subsequently handed over to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for enforcement and search-and-rescue operations.
According to Ruji, the OPV1 is capable of serving as a Mothership or flagship to enhance the readiness of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) in safeguarding the nation’s waters.
He emphasized that the OPV1 is equipped with X and S Band Radars to ensure extensive patrolling capabilities, accommodating up to 70 crew members in a single operation.
The vessel is capable of reaching a speed of 21 knots and features facilities such as a helicopter landing pad and detention quarters.
“OPV1 is also designed to withstand rough seas up to Force 7 and can undertake tasks such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, logistics support, serving as a Mothership, a government vessel, and a storage facility for oil pollution equipment,” as reported by local media.
Constructed based on the Damen 1800 design, the OPV1 measures 83 meters in length, 13.7 meters in width, and can operate at sea for 21 days without refueling.
It is also equipped with advanced features, including an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a 30mm Smash Aselsan cannon, two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB), and a Fast Interceptor Craft.
Before the official handover to the Ministry, the OPV1 underwent several trial phases, including sea trials conducted in the Malacca Strait alongside assets of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency involved in the Maritime Perkasa Barat Exercise on November 28.
The OPV1 is expected to enhance and strengthen the operations of the APMM in enforcing maritime laws, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Malaysian Maritime Zone (ZMM). — DSA
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