Fassmer launches Singapore's first Sentinel-class OPV

Singapore's first Sentinal-class offshore patrol vessel, seen here at its launch ceremony. (Republic of Singapore Navy)

German shipbuilder Fassmer has launched the first of four Sentinel-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) on order for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

The programme's lead ship entered the water at Fassmer's yard in Berne, Germany, on 1 October.

Under the programme, four Sentinel-class OPVs are being acquired to replace the RSN's existing Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels, which were formerly in service as the Fearless-class patrol vessels.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) signed the contract with Germany's Fassmer in November 2023, with deliveries scheduled to begin from 2028.

The ships are based on Fassmer's OPV design lineage used by Germany's federal police force and are being constructed in Lithuania and Germany.

MINDEF has identified the ships in the class as Sentinel (26), Guardian (27), Protector (28), and Bastion (29).

The vessels will operate under the Maritime Security and Response Flotilla and are intended specifically for maritime security duties in and around Singapore's territorial waters.

According to a fact sheet released by MINDEF in line with the launch, the class has an overall length of 94.85 m, a beam of 15.2 m, and a displacement of approximately 2,700 tonnes.

The class is capable of speeds in excess of 23 kt with an endurance of more than 4,000 n miles. Baseline complement is stated as approximately 40 personnel.

The vessels feature a combined diesel-electric or diesel (CODLOD) propulsion arrangement, allowing operation using either diesel-electric propulsion for fuel-efficient patrols or diesel power for higher-speed response missions.