Finally, Maritime Malaysia’s First Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV1) Begins Sea Trial
The sea trial phase for the OPV1 will last for four days, beginning from November 28 to December 1, covering a distance of 630 nautical miles in the waters of the Malacca Strait, starting from the Port of Klang to Pulau Langkawi.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — After a long delay, the first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV1) “made an appearance” to be among the 15 Maritime Malaysia (Kapal Maritim) of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) vessels participating in the Eksesais Maritim Perkasa Barat 2023.
In a statement released through the Maritime Malaysia social media account today, its Director-General Admiral Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin said that TH Heavy Engineering Berhad (THHE) is currently conducting the sea trial phase for OPV1.
OPV1 is currently sailing into the area of Penang along with other Maritime Malaysia vessels.
He further stated that the participation of this vessel in the exercise conducted by the agency aligns with the goal of fully testing OPV1’s capabilities before its official handover to Maritime Malaysia.
Additionally, he mentioned that the sea trial phase for the OPV1 will last for four days beginning from November 28 to December 1, covering a distance of 630 nautical miles in the waters of the Malacca Strait, starting from the Port of Klang to Pulau Langkawi.
He made these remarks during an official visit aboard KM Pekan to monitor the readiness of all vessels and enforcement personnel involved in the Eksesais Maritim Perkasa Barat 2023.
Also present during this working visit were the Exercise Director, Maritime Captain Shahref Steve Mac Queen bin Abdullah, and the Officer in Charge of KM Pekan, Maritime Captain Mohd Yusri Hussin.
OPV1, bearing number 8305, has dimensions of 83 meters in length and 13.7 meters in width, capable of operating at sea for a maximum of 21 days without refueling.
It is equipped with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a 30mm SMASH Aselsan cannon, speed 21 knots and featuring facilities such as a helicopter landing site, Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), and detention rooms.
During the earlier part of the visit, Datuk Hamid expressed his hope that all vessels participating in this exercise would reach the desired level, contributing to the enhancement of the competency of nearly 500 officers and members of Maritime Malaysia participating in this exercise. — DSA
DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA APPS
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