Shin Yang Shipyard in talks to build MMEA patrol boats

Malaysia's Shin Yang Shipyard has signed a letter of intent with the Home Affairs Ministry for the proposed construction of two offshore patrol vessels for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

The letters prepares the foundation for detailed negotiations and technical planning that will likely lead to the finalisation of a shipbuilding contract.

“Negotiations for the contract are expected to take two to three months,” Shin Yang Shipyard Executive Director Vincent Ling Lu Yew told StarBiz.

The contract value for the two vessels based is RM298.5 million ($70.5 million). Ling said the vessels will have a length of 83 metres and beam of 13.7 metres, with a top speed of 21 knots.

The vessels' endurance is projected to be up to 21 days at sea without resupply, and each is expected to accommodate up to 70 personnel.

Each boat will feature two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), one fast interceptor craft, and a helicopter landing pad.