SHAH ALAM: The RMN is looking to purchase three multipurpose boats for the Eastern Fleet Command as part of the ongoing Op Benteng operations. The request for bids was published by the eperolehan website yesterday and its opened to local suppliers and shipbuilders. The RFB specifically stated that the bidders interested in taking part must supply evidence that it can supply the boats within 36 months of the contract is awarded. It is unclear however whether this means all three or the first one only.

RMN CB90 Combat boat

According the specifications published, two of the MPBs will be based at the TLDM base in Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu with the last one at Sandakan. It said the main task for the MPBs are for “Intercept the Contact of Interest(COI)”. Other duties include counter-piracy and anti-sea robbery operation, deter entry of illegal foreign fishing boats and immigrants, deter entry of illegal and goods smuggling activities, intelligence gathering activities as well as as search and rescue operation.

One of the Watercat assault/landing boat of marine police. T.

Selected highlights of the requirements. For a detailed version go to the eperolehan website.

The MPB will also be used for the supply of logistics to RMN sea basing and offshore sites and general transportation. The other technical aspects “It shall be able to maintain cruising at 35 knots and sprinting speed more than 48 knots (half load), 45knots (full load) and shall be able to be transported by land using low loader truck and hoisted using at least 10 tonnes crane.Robustness. It shall be able to withstand rough handling andoperating in sea condition not less than Sea State 2.Simplicity. It shall be easy to operate and manned by minimum number of crews three (3) which is helmsman, technical and seaman staff.

Tropicalisation. It shall be able to operate in tropical weather and environmental conditions.”

Technical Mandatory MPB Design Weight: Range 5000 kg to 6000kg.Beam: At least 3.0 m.Height: At least 1.6 m.Length: At least 14 m.Maximum Speed At least 48 knots (half load) for an hour (in SeaState 2).

Gading Marine 17 foot FIC.

At least 45 knots with full load displacement with 12 personnel onboard (Sea State 1).Cruising Speed At least 35 knots (in Sea State 2).At least 35 knots with full load displacement with 12 personnel onboard (Sea State 1).Range. At least 220 nm at cruising speed and in Sea State 2.Draught at Full Load. It shall not more than 0.9 m.Turning Circle. It shall have the following capabilities: The turning circle diameter of 360° to be less than four (4) lengths MPB at maximum speed.It shall have uniform turning characteristics for both port and starboard turns.Complement. Four (4) permanent boat crews with additional eight(8) passenger personnel.

Material Selection. Hull and superstructure material shall be highgrade of fibreglass composite.

The MPB shall be equipped with but not limited to the followings: Outboards Motor (OBM). It shall comply but not limited to the following requirements: Minimum three (3)OBM with appropriate 300 horsepower to achieve the desired speed and endurance of the MPB.

Benteng class FIC. MMEA

As the requirements called for the cabin/bridge to be air-conditioned unlike the open topped RHIB and FICs of the MMEA and RMN. These boats could easily be modified to include a cabin. As the MPBs are to be equipped with out-board motors, designs like the CB 90 or Watercat M14 – equipped with diesel engines and waterjets – are not suitable for the tender as most of the boats designed for military use.

— Malaysian Defence

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