Malaysia Launches New Multi-Purpose Mission Ship
This month, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) celebrated a significant milestone with the keel laying ceremony for its largest vessel, the Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS), at Desan Shipyard in Turkey. Following the steel-cutting ceremony last month, this event marks a crucial step in the ship’s construction, which is set to be completed by 2027. The project involves collaboration with prominent Turkish defense firms, enhancing the ship’s capabilities with advanced technology.
Key Features and Operational Goals
The MPMS will measure 99 meters in length and is designed for deep-sea operations, capable of sustaining missions for up to 28 days without the need for resupply. It will accommodate a crew of 70, along with space for an additional 30 passengers. The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and interdiction tools, including two unmanned aerial vehicles, four fast interceptor crafts, a helicopter deck, and detention compartments. These features will significantly bolster Malaysia’s maritime security efforts.
MMEA plans to deploy the MPMS primarily for surveillance within Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), particularly in the South China Sea. This area has recently seen a surge in illegal Ship-to-Ship (STS) oil transfers, often involving older vessels transporting sanctioned oil from Russia and Iran. Such activities raise serious concerns regarding compliance, safety, and environmental pollution.
In response to these challenges, Malaysia has implemented new regulations aimed at curbing illicit STS transfers, including the closure of the notorious Tompok Utara anchorage near the Singapore Strait. However, MMEA officials stress the need for enhanced operational and patrolling capabilities to effectively combat the rising tide of criminal activities in Malaysian waters. Last year, the agency received a budget of $159 million for vessel procurement and maintenance, with $82 million allocated specifically for the MPMS project and an additional $37 million for two New Generation Patrol Crafts (NGPC).
