MPA Guardian – multipurpose patrol vessel for Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Commissioned in June this year for the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, the hybrid electric aluminium catmaran hulled MPA Guardian is designed to fulfill routine patrol, search and rescue, fire fighting, oil spill response and drone operations. The aluminium hulled vessel is a collaboration between the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) of the Singapore Ministry of Defence, local builder Penguin Shipyard International, and UK-based naval architecture specialist BMT.
Built by Penguin Shipyard International, Singapore
Owned and operated by Maritime and Port Authority Singapore
LOA 34m
Propulsion twin screw fully electric, diesel electric or diesel mechanical
Speed 27 knots in diesel mechanical mode
Basic crew 24
360 deg camera surveillance
MPA Guardian has a duration of about 3 hours at a speed of 6 knots when in fully electric (silent running) mode. In diesel-electric mode, one main engine is used to recharge the batteries while the other supplies power to the propellers. As a further step in the commissioning of an ultra low environmental impact vessel, solar absorption paint was applied on exposed external surfaces to reflect heat.
In addition to her other capabilities, the vessel is equipped to be an emergency response command and control platform. The catamaran hull design gives additional stability and the wide beam / deck area to carry a 7m rigid inflatable and other supplies needed to manage an emergency.
Penguin International owns and operates a 30,000-square metre shipyard in Singapore and a 50,000-square metre shipyard in Batam, Indonesia (45 minutes ferry ride from Singapore).
Featured Image Courtesy: BMT