Mitsui E&S launches first 3,900 tonne-class multirole frigate for JMSDF

Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding has launched the first of a planned fleet of 22 3,900 tonne-class multirole frigates for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Named Kumano, the 132.5 m-long vessel (with pennant number 2) entered the water in a ceremony held on 19 November at the company’s facility in Tamano, southern Okayama Prefecture, and is expected to enter JMSDF service in March 2022.

Kumano is actually the second vessel of the class ordered by service. The first one – the name of which has yet to be disclosed – was originally scheduled to also be launched in November but construction of the ship at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ facility in Nagasaki City has been delayed due to issues with the frigate’s gas turbine engine. The JMSDF still regards Kumano as the second of this class, although it is the first to be launched.

According to the JMSDF, Kumano will have a crew complement of about 90, a standard displacement of 3,900 tonnes, a beam of 16.3 m, and a draught of 9 m.

A JMSDF spokesperson told Janes the new frigate class will require fewer crewmembers and that, compared with other frigate classes, construction costs will be lower due to its compact size.

Powered by a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system featuring two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines and one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, the ships are expected to be capable of attaining a top speed of at least 30 kt.