KUALA LUMPUR: Construction of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) has begun with the keel-laying ceremony at Sesan Kaptanoglu Shipyard in Türkiye on Thursday (Aug 14).
The ceremony, officiated by MMEA's engineering director First Admiral Mohd Rizal Hishamuddin and MPMS project director Capt Mohammad Nasir Man, marked the start of joining the main blocks for the largest vessel in MMEA history.
Mohd Rizal said the initial phase of the keel laying involved the installation of blocks 107, 108, 207 and 208, which formed the midsection of the ship.
"This keel-laying tradition marks the start of the main block assembly process and carries symbolic significance for the construction of a strategic national asset," he said in a statement here on Friday (Aug 15).
He said the 99x17m (length/width) vessel was designed for deep-sea operations lasting up to 28 days without resupply and would be deployed for surveillance in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as to monitor areas inaccessible to smaller vessels.
Equipped with advanced defence technology, Mohd Rizal said the MPMS would feature an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a 30mm cannon, X- and S-band radars, a helicopter landing pad, a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and four fast interceptor craft.
"The MPMS can travel at 20 knots, accommodate 70 crewmembers and 20 passengers and will have onboard medical and detention facilities," he said.
Meanwhile, Desan Kaptanoglu Shipyard board chairman Cenk Ismail Kaptanoglu said in the same statement that achieving the keel laying milestone in such a short time after the contract signing on May 20 demonstrated the efficiency and commitment of all parties involved.
"The steel blocks installed will not only form the backbone of the MPMS but also symbolise the strategic relationship and determination of Türkiye and Malaysia to strengthen maritime security. As with our previous projects, we are confident the MPMS can be delivered ahead of the March 2027 schedule," he said.
Once completed, the MPMS will be one of MMEA's key assets in safeguarding national waters, combating cross-border crimes, smuggling and illegal high-seas fishing activities.
The project also involves cooperation with Türkiye's major defence industry companies, such as Aselsan and Havelsan, which are responsible for integrating advanced weaponry, electronics, and communication systems. – Bernama
