Thailand's First M58 Patrol Boat Undergoes Final Fit-out Ahead of Delivery

12 Juli 2016

Laemsing undergoing installation of its main naval gun in July 2016. (photo : Royal Thai Navy)

Thailand's first M58 patrol boat is currently undergoing its final fit-out ahead of its scheduled delivery to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) for the latter part of the year, a Marsun official told IHS Jane's on 12 July.

The vessel, Laemsing (561), is currently being targeted for delivery in September 2016. Work to install the platform's 76/62 mm Oto Melara main gun started on the week of 5 July and tests are currently being run to ensure its integration with the ship's systems, said the company.

Laemsing was launched in August 2015 at the RTN-owned Thonburi Naval Dockyard in Bangkok. It is the largest ever platform to be built by Thai shipbuilder Marsun for the RTN.

The vessel features a length of 58 m, a beam of 9.3 m, a draught of 2.5 m, and a full-load displacement of 520 tonnes. Powered by three Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, the platform has a top speed in excess of 24 kt.

Besides its main gun, other weapons on the platform include a stern-facing 30 mm cannon and two 12.7 mm machine guns.

Once in service, the M58 platform will likely be deployed for fisheries resources surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, and maritime patrol duties, said the company.

(Jane's)