The Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) inducted 11 patrol interdiction boats (PIBs) and six Second Generation PK Class interceptors into the service on 21 July.
The vessels were commissioned by Singapore's Deputy prime minister and minister for Home Affairs, Teo Chee Hean. In remarks at the commissioning ceremony, he described the additions as a significant milestone in the PCG's operational capabilities against the backdrop of increasingly complex challenges such as maritime terrorism, piracy, and migration.
"Despite these challenges, in 2014, PCG arrested 46 illegal immigrants attempting to enter by sea, and successfully prevented more than 7,000 suspicious vessels - or 20 per day - from intruding into our waters", said the minister who highlighted that the distance between Singapore's shoreline and its international boundary can be as short as 500 m.
The PIBs have a length of 19 m and are equipped with a stabilised naval gun system with automatic target-tracking capabilities. The vessels feature beaching capabilities, allowing PCG officers to dismount and continue pursuit on land if required. The PIBs have top speeds in excess of 45 kt.
The 14 m PK Class interceptors will be operated by the PCG's Special Task Squadron, which deals primarily with fast-moving seaborne targets. The vessels can reach speeds in excess of 55 kt, according to specifications provided in the minister's address.
A PCG representative told IHS Jane's on 22 July that, although the commissioning ceremony was held to mark the induction of all 11 PIBs and six interceptor craft, delivery of all of the vessels will not be completed until. The boats are manufactured by Taiwanese company Lung Teh Shipbuilding.
IHS Jane's understands that the name of the two PIBs featured at the ceremony are Atlantic Ray (PT 68) and Southern Ray (PT 69), while the interceptor craft has been named White Marlin (PK 21).
(Jane's)
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