The ceremony was officiated by Puan Hajjah Normah binti Alwi, wife of YB Hj Mohamad bin Sabu, Minister of Defense of Malaysia. The event was also attended by the Chief of Navy, Admiral Datuk Mohd Reza bin Mohd Sany, Director of Boustead Heavy Industry Corporation (BHIC), Admiral Tan Sri Ramlan Mohamed Ali (Retired) and representatives from China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co Ltd (CSOC).
The first of class vessel was named KERIS. It is a Malay traditional weapon which symbolizes the spirit of heroism, struggle, courage and strength in resisting and repelling enemy attacks. This spirit will be owned by a future LMS crew who will start training in Shanghai soon.
The acquisition contract of the LMS was signed on 23 March 17 between the Malaysian Ministry of Defense and Boustead in collaboration with CSOC, China. LMS is one of the five classes of ships in the 15to5 Fleet Transformation Program. LMS construction is characterized by “fit for purpose”. This coastal patrol ship is a modular concept that is capable of being configured for specific missions depending on the needs
This vessel will be the first naval vessel built in the People’s Republic of China to be operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy. It also represents the pragmatic approach by the Government of Malaysia and the navy in term of their willingness to diversify our supply base to wherever that best meet our requirements.
Chief of RMN, Admiral Reza
All four LMS units will join the RMN Eastern Fleet where they will reinforce the readiness and sovereignty of eastern Malaysia’s maritime waters. The LMS will also address the problem of asset obsolescence as well as maintenance schedule cycles existing RMN ships.
The acquisition of the LMS is through cooperation with China, a first in the history of the Royal Malaysian Navy. Through this acquisition, Malaysia can strengthen diplomatic relations with China in defense and economy.
KERIS will undergo various trials port-side and at sea before
its hand over to the RMN which is set for December 2019.
LMS specifications
Length overall: 68.00 meters
Beam: 9.20 meters
Draft:
Crew: 45 (+16)
Max speed: 22 knots
Range: 2,000 nautical miles at 16 knots
Endurance: Up to 15 days at sea
Operation: Up to sea state 5
