Trkiye: Construction of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) has begun with the keel laying ceremony held at DESAN Kaptanoglu Shipyard in Trkiye yesterday. The ceremony, officiated by MMEA's Director of Engineering, First Admiral Mohd Rizal Hishamuddin, and MPMS Project Director Capt Mohammad Nasir Man, marked the start of joining the main blocks for the largest vessel in the agency's history.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Rizal stated that the initial phase of the keel laying involved the installation of blocks 107, 108, 207, and 208, which formed the midsection of the ship. 'This keel laying tradition marks the start of the main block assembly process and carries symbolic significance for the construction of a strategic national asset,' he said in a statement.
He added that the 99-metre-long and 17-metre-wide MPMS was designed for deep-sea operations lasting up to 28 days without resupply, and would be deployed for surveillance in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as to monitor areas inaccessible to smaller vessels. The MPMS will be equipped with advanced defence technology, including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a 30mm cannon, X- and S-band radars, a helicopter landing pad, a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB), and four fast interceptor craft.
Mohd Rizal also noted that the MPMS could travel at 20 knots, accommodate 70 crew members and 20 passengers, and will have onboard medical and detention facilities. Meanwhile, DESAN Kaptanoglu Shipyard board chairman Cenk Ismail Kaptanoglu commented in the same statement that achieving the keel laying milestone shortly after the contract signing on May 20 demonstrated the efficiency and commitment of all parties involved.
Kaptanoglu further remarked, 'The steel blocks installed today will not only form the backbone of the MPMS but also symbolise the strategic relationship and determination of Trkiye and Malaysia to strengthen maritime security. As with our previous projects, we are confident the MPMS can be delivered ahead of the March 2027 schedule.'
Once completed, the MPMS will be one of MMEA's key assets in safeguarding national waters, combating cross-border crimes, smuggling, and illegal high-seas fishing activities. The project also involves cooperation with Trkiye's major defence industry companies, such as Aselsan and Havelsan, which are responsible for integrating advanced weaponry, electronics, and communication systems.