Saturday 27 August 2016

Thailand"s first M58 patrol boat completes sea trials in preparation for delivery

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

26 August 2016

Samutprakarn-based shipbuilder Marsun has completed a series of sea trials on the country's first M58 patrol boat Laemsing (561) in preparation for delivery to the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), the company confirmed with IHS Jane's on 26 August.

The trials were conducted in the Gulf of Thailand from mid-August and included maximum speed tests, turning radius verifications, crash stop tests, and an endurance validation said the company.

Laemsing , which is the largest patrol vessel to be built by Marsun to date, was launched in August 2015 at the RTN-owned Thonburi Naval Dockyard in Bangkok.

The vessel has an overall length of 58 m, an overall beam of 9.3 m, and a hull draught of 2.5 m. Powered by three Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines, the 520-tonne platform can attain a top speed of 28 k, and a standard range of 2,500 n miles at 15 kt.

Defensive capability is provided for by one 76/62 mm Oto Melara main gun, one stern-facing 30 mm cannon, and two 12.7 mm machine guns.

Laemsing is scheduled for delivery to the RTN later this year. The vessel is expected to take on search-and-rescue, fishing areas enforcement, and other constabulary duties once in service.

Original post janes

M58 patrol boat Laemsing (561) Specification