HHI launches final Korean Navy LST-2 tank landing ship

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries launched the fourth and final Republic of Korea Navy LST-2 tank landing ship on November 2.

The 4,500-ton ship was launched at HHI’s Ulsan shipyard with pennant number 689.

According to an announcement from the Republic of South Korea Navy, the vessel is named Nojeokbong and will be delivered to the navy in November 2018.

The 127-meter vessel is expected to be commissioned into the navy in 2019.

Cheon Wang Bong, the lead ship in the class, was delivered in 2014. The new class of ships will complement the country’s existing Go Jun Bong-class (LST-I) ships.

The new ships can travel at speeds of up to 23 knots and can carrying 300 landing troops, three landing craft, two tanks and eight amphibious assault vehicles. The ships are also capable of operating two helicopters.

The Korean Navy has so far commissioned two ships in the class, one in 2014 and one in August 2017.