FICs for MMEA’s STAR

SHAH ALAM: MMEA has issued a twenty-one-day tender for the supply and delivery of two fast interceptor crafts (FICs) for its Special Task and Rescue Team (STAR). The tender was published on August 5 and closes on August 26.

The indicative price for the two FIC is RM5 million though the notice stated that the government was not bound to select the bid according to it.

Some of the specifications of the FICs sought:

The FIC shall have a service life of at least 10 years and low through-life
support cost by equipped with high-quality equipment and commercially
available spares. 4.5 In the design and build of the FIC, significant
consideration and focus must be given to her purpose and role as a spacial
force boat.
5. Function. The FIC STAR Team shall be able to carry out the following:
5.1 Efficient Sea keeping characteristic even in high sea states through
optimum hull configuration and structural design up to sea state 4.; Hard
copy of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this
part must be submitted (Mandatory).
5.2 Capable of conducting maritime SAR mission (diver); 5.3 Capable of
conducting maritime law enforcement, customs enforcement, drug
interdiction, fisheries protection, anti piracy and maritime anti-terrorism; 5.4
Capable of conducting maritime surveillance and interdiction; 5.5 As Special
Forces FIC boat to the targeted area using to seize the robbery of aquatic
life in the country, especially in the South China Sea borderlines; 5.6 For
special operation and act as fast respond support during fast respond
operation. 5.7 Escort boat. These boat can be used for VIP escort during the
VIP visit at the sea. 5.8 Training vessel platform for skill enhancement
consists of basic and advanced training in all the related marine or air
evolution.
The STAR Team FIC boat shall be designed and
equipped specially for conducting special ship boarding for special operation
of maritime law enforcement and SAR operation in MMZ. The following
requirements shall be considered in her design characteristic: 6.1 Maritime
counter hijacking operation / exercise onboard offshore oil or gas platform
and merchant ship 6.2 Insertion and extraction. 6.3 Shallow water operation
and beaching. 6.4 Assault support platform and raid
Length Overall (LOA) – 13 to 14 meters Hard copy of
catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this part
must be submitted (Mandatory). 7.2 Beam Overall- Approx. 3.3 meters Hard
copy of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this
part must be submitted (Mandatory). 7.3 Maximum Draught Planning Mode
Approx. 0.56 meter. Hard copy of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant
document to describe this part must be submitted (Mandatory). 7.4 The boat
shall be fully operational in shallow water of minimum depth – Approx. 1.5 m
. Hard copy of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to
describe this part must be submitted (Mandatory). 7.5 A cruising speed of
35 knots approx. At 85% MCR shall be achieved. Hard copy of
catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this part
must be submitted (Mandatory)
Range and Endurance – at a speed of 35 knots a minimum range of 230
nautical miles. Hard copy of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant
document to describe this part must be submitted (Mandatory). 7.7 The boat
will be powered by outboard motor (OBM) which when developing maximum
power shall give a speed at least 55 knots at full load condition. Hard copy
of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this part
must be submitted (Mandatory). 7.8 Boat weight-approx. 8000 – 8500 kg
Hard copy of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to
describe this part must be submitted (Mandatory). 7.9 Complement- 2 + 10
persons. Hard copy of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document
to describe this part must be submitted (Mandatory). 7.10 Hull Material
The Hull shall generally be of the all welded Marine Aluminium Alloy of
Series 5000. Hard copy of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant
document to describe this part must be submitted

One (1) General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) Mounting
located at Forward with bullet proof plate. The plate and mounting shall be
easily removed for storage. Horizontal axis can be swing at least 180°.
Vertical can elevated at least +50°. Hard copy of
catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to describe this part
must be submitted (Mandatory). 7.26 Deck – Goal post structure shall be
collapsible and easily installed and removed for transportation purposes.
Hard copy of catalogue/brochure/drawing/any relevant document to
describe this part must be submitted (Mandatory).
7.27 Seat – At least ten (10) Shark Absober Seat or equivalent. An
integrated seat frame to minimize weight. The shock absorber features
adjustable spring and rebound rate for any payload and sea condition. It
comes with closed cell foam cushions and features heavy duty marine grade
vinyl upholstery. Designed for comfort and durability, it is one of the most
compact and solution and ideal for refits and customs builds. Seat with
optional grab rail and storage box. Two (2) Shark Absober Seat or
equivalent helm seat superior design while delivering comfort and safety.
The sit or stand drop down seat can be deck or bulkhead mounted. Optional
integrated folding footrest folds automatically when drop down seat is
stowed or deployed. Behind the GPMG fwrd mounting, one (1) unit
suspension Shark Absober Seat or equivalent seat shall be provided for
gunner.

Based on the specifications, I am guessing that the MMEA wants the new FICs slightly bigger than the Benteng class P38 interceptors funded by Op Benteng UOR. The P38s are about 12 meter long and have an open cockpit but only has two outboard motors. I believed that the new interceptors need four OBMs to reach a top speed of 55 knots.

Meanwhile, the Army has issued a tender for the supply and delivery of two tactical boat carriers. The carriers are basically trucks which can carry the Special Services Group (Gerak Khas) tactical boats and it’s trailer, from the camp to the launch site.

The specifications:

THERE IS A REQUIREMENT TO EQUIP SSG UNIT WITH TACTICAL BOAT CARRIER (TBC) TO CARRY MULTIPLE BOATS FROM ONE PLACE TO OTHERS. THE TBC WILL BE USED TO TRANSPORT THE BOAT WITH THE CAPABILITY OF SELF-LAUNCHING SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE COMPRISES OF PRIME OVER, LOW LOADER WITH RAMP AND WINCHING SYSTEM TO LOAD AND UNLOAD THE BOAT WITH TRAILER ON IT

— Malaysian Defence

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