Western Baltic Shipyard: Keel laid for Singapore’s offshore patrol vessel duo

Lithuanian shipbuilding company Western Baltic Shipyard has revealed that a keel-laying ceremony was held for Singapore’s first two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).

As disclosed, the ceremony took place on April 7, 2025. Western Baltija Shipbuilding, a part of Western Shipyard Group, has been entrusted with constructing and partially outfitting the hulls of these modern vessels. Meanwhile, German shipbuilder Fassmer is in charge of completing the final outfitting.

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) signed the contract with Fassmer for the construction of four patrol ships. The ships are based on an OPV design operated by the German Bundespolizei (Federal Police), the Potsdam-class OPVs.

The OPVs will come equipped with a suite of lethal and less-lethal capabilities to provide flexibility and calibrated response against a wide spectrum of maritime threats.

They will replace the existing Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRVs).

The four new patrol vessels are set to begin their mission from 2028 onwards.