JS Noumi – FRP-hulled minesweeper enters service with Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force
JS NoumiJapan Marine United

VESSEL REVIEW | JS Noumi – FRP-hulled minesweeper enters service with Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force

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The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) recently commissioned a new mine countermeasures (MCM) vessel into service.

JS Noumi (のうみ), which has been named after two islands in Hiroshima Bay, is the fourth MCM vessel in the Awaji-class. Construction of all four Awaji-class ships was undertaken by local shipyard Japan Marine United at an estimated cost of JPY12.6 billion (US$85 million) per vessel.

Like her sisters, Noumi has an FRP hull, an LOA of 67 metres (220 feet), a beam of 11 metres (36 feet), a draught of 2.7 metres (8.9 feet), a depth of 5.2 metres (17 feet), a displacement of 690 tonnes, and a crew of 50. Two 1,640kW (2,200hp) diesel engines drive propellers to deliver a maximum speed of 14 knots.

The dimensions make the Awaji-class ships the largest FRP-hulled minesweepers currently in active service with the JMSDF. FRP was selected for the Awaji-class ships' hulls due to its lower weight, its improved resistance to corrosion, and its reduced magnetic signature.

Equipped for dealing with a wide range of mines

JS Noumi Japan Maritime Self Defence Force Japan Marine United
JS NoumiJapanese Ministry of Defence

Notable features include an HII Remus unmanned underwater vehicle for MCM duties, a remotely operated vehicle for intelligence gathering, and a Mitsui self-propelled mine disposal system (MDS). The MDS is equipped with explosives that can be remotely triggered from the MCM vessel via fibre-optic connection so that the latter’s crew will not be put at risk during MCM operations.

The main gun is a JM61-RFS remotely controlled 20mm Gatling-style autocannon, which can be used for self-defence against surface and airborne threats as well as neutralisation of mines.

Expected long service life

The electronics suite includes a Fujitsu OPS-39H surface search radar, sonars for mine detection and minesweeping, and a LIDAR for detecting mines in shallow waters well outside their blast radius to ensure safety. The MCM suite was designed to also be capable of neutralising deep-sea mines that could otherwise hinder the movements of friendly submarines.

The JMSDF expects that each Awaji-class ship will have an operational life of 30 years whereas each of the service's wooden-hulled MCM vessels each have an operational life of only 20 years as well as a slightly greater displacement.

JS Noumi Japan Maritime Self Defence Force Japan Marine United
JS NoumiJapanese Ministry of Defence
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