SHAH ALAM: OPV Tun Fatimah was launched this morning, some five years after its keel was laid. The launch was conducted about 6am at the THHE Fabricators yard, Pulau Indah, Pelabuhan Klang where the three OPVs contracted to the THHE Destini JV are being built.

THHE is now the sole builder of the OPVs after Destini decided to opt out from the joint venture. The contract for the three OPVs based on the Damen 1800 OPV design was awarded to the THHE JV in 2017.

All three OPVs were supposed to be delivered already to the MMEA but the shipbuilder had obtained an extension of time to defer the delivery of the first ship to August 2022.

The launch of Tun Fatimah was low key like the launch of KM Bagan Datuk, the first of six patrol boats built by Destini Shipbuilding and Engineering Sdn Bhd. The timing of Tun Fatimah launch at 6am may have something to do with it, I guess.

Following the launch, Tun Fatimah has been tied up to the jetty next to the yard. She will now undergo harbour and sea trials which will culminate with its commissioning by May, next year, just in time for LIMA 23, just like Bagan Datuk.

With the first OPV out of the yard, it is likely that THHE can start joining up the modules of the second OPV and after that the third one. According to MMEA chief Admiral (Maritime) Mohd Zubil Mohd Som, Tun Fatimah will be stationed at Beting Patinggi Ali, Sarawak, once she is commissioned into service

— Malaysian Defence

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