Singapore awards contract to evaluate new landing craft design

A fast craft utility (FCU) sailing past RSS Endurance while making its way to the beach. Singapore has begun a process to replace its FCU and FCEP vessels. (Republic of Singapore Navy)

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has launched a programme to evaluate a new landing-craft design that could eventually replace both the country's fleet of fast craft equipment and personnel (FCEP) and fast craft utility (FCU) vessels.

The ministry announced on 25 August that it had signed a contract with Singapore shipbuilder Penguin International for the construction of two landing craft units.

MINDEF added that the vessels would first be assessed for operational suitability before any decision was made on a fleet-wide replacement programme, describing the acquisition as part of a “progressive approach towards capability development”.

In a separate stock exchange filing released the same day, Penguin International confirmed that it had been awarded a turnkey contract covering the design, engineering, and construction of two landing craft.

Design and technical specifications were not disclosed because of confidentiality obligations.

Penguin said the award was its first naval shipbuilding programme as a prime contractor for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Penguin also said the landing-craft programme would be executed entirely in Singapore using its Tuas shipyard.

Delivery of the craft is expected to begin from 2029.

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