Latest news with #OffshorePatrolVessels
New Straits Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia boosts assets, global partnerships to counter rising maritime threats
KUANTAN: Acquiring new assets and strengthening international collaborations are among the measures being taken by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to address increasingly complex maritime threats in the region. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that, in addition to bolstering its logistical capabilities, the agency must move beyond its comfort zone by engaging and learning from countries with established maritime expertise. "The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) recently reported a growing reliance on maritime routes for drug trafficking, surpassing land routes. Malaysia, with its extensive coastline, is particularly vulnerable. "Besides that, we also face threats from foreign fishermen, human trafficking and contraband smuggling. "At the international level, we conduct joint maritime operations, share intelligence, and participate in capacity-building efforts with our counterparts in other countries to strengthen MMEA's capabilities. "These knowledge-sharing initiatives are crucial for enhancing maritime security. "To further secure the country's waters, MMEA will receive several assets including the former US Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast later this year, a Turkish-made Multi-Purpose Mission Ship in 2027, four new helicopters to be delivered in stages next year, and the completion of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)," he told reporters at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy here today. He had earlier attended MMEA's Junior Lieutenant and Junior Able Rate passing-out parade. Also present was MMEA Director-General Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah. On the procurement of OPV 2 and 3, Saifuddin said the agency is awaiting the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to finalise and issue the tender to the company selected to revive the construction project. "Only the first OPV, KM Tun Fatimah, has been completed, following an additional RM150 million allocation from the MOF. "We mutually agreed to terminate the contract with the original company for the remaining two vessels. "An open tender has already been conducted, and we are now awaiting final approval from the MOF. Once the tender is awarded, construction is expected to resume and take about 24 months," he said. Saifuddin said that the arrival of new assets will boost the morale and motivation of enforcement personnel while ensuring more effective maritime surveillance, complementing efforts such as radar-based monitoring. A total of 68 Junior Lieutenant officers and 186 Junior Able Rate personnel graduated from MMEA's basic training programme today.
The Star
02-08-2025
- The Star
Police complete investigation into Zara Qairina's death
KUANTAN: Police have completed their investigation into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, who was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory on July 16. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said about 60 witnesses from various parties had been interviewed in connection with the case. "The investigation is complete. I expect the police will submit the papers to the Attorney General's Chambers by next week at the latest," he said when asked about developments in the case. He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Passing-Out Parade for the 12/2024 Maritime Junior Lieutenant Basic Course and the 18/2024 Maritime Class II Cadet Basic Course at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS) here on Saturday (Aug 2). Zara Qairina was pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on July 17. Her death sparked widespread reactions on social media after the case went viral. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun was previously reported as saying investigations focused on two main aspects, namely the cause of death and the surrounding circumstances. Meanwhile, Saifuddin said the government remains committed to strengthening the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) operational capabilities, including through the construction of two additional Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV). He said MMEA is also in the process of acquiring a decommissioned United States Coast Guard Cutter, expected to arrive in November. "With these assets, I believe we can boost morale and enhance the effectiveness of control, patrol and inspection operations," he said. A total of 68 officers and 186 personnel completed 10 months of basic training and are now qualified to serve in the MMEA. - Bernama
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Intense oil spill mitigation efforts launched by Coast Guard after Liberian cargo ship sank off Kerala coast
NEW DELHI: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intensified surveillance and spill mitigation efforts and mobilised a specialised Pollution Response Vessel, in addition to two of its Offshore Patrol Vessels, after the environmental concerns, including the potential oil spill impact and drifting of debris and cargo emerged. The situation occurred after the Cargo Ship MV Elsa sank around 15 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala on Sunday. The ICG said on Monday that it has mobilised ICG Ship Samudra Prahari in addition to its two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), which remain on-site for ongoing monitoring, assessment, and pollution response. The coast guard is also using aerial sorties and specialised dispersal equipment, Ship Samudra Prahari, "a specialised Pollution Response Vessel carrying significant quantities of Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD), along with additional OPVs in PR configuration," said ICG. To ensure safety, all passing ships have been diverted, and mariners have been warned to navigate cautiously due to floating debris and potential navigation hazards. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched a full-scale pollution response operation following the sinking of the Liberian container vessel MV MSC ELSA 3, which went down on May 25, 2025, approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Alappuzha, Kerala. All its 24 crew were rescued by the Coast Guard and Navy.
Al Etihad
24-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tawazun Council awards Dh1.3 billion contract to build naval vessels
24 Mar 2025 13:12 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Al Seer Marine and Damen International, an Abu Dhabi company, part of the Damen family, announced that their Joint Venture has secured a significant Dh1.3 billion contract with Tawazun Council to manufacture advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).This four-year project will bolster the UAE's naval capabilities and enhance maritime OPVs will be equipped with cutting-edge naval technology and designed with advanced vessels will be capable of conducting a wide range of missions, such as EEZ Patrol, EEZ Surveillance, EEZ Interdiction (piracy, smuggling, environmental protection), maritime law enforcements and coast guard functions, search and rescue (SAR), and disaster Neivens, CEO of Al Seer Marine, commented, "Tawazun's confidence in the JV capabilities marks a significant milestone, showcasing the strength of our shipbuilding expertise combined with comprehensive fleet support. With our proven track record in manufacturing advanced, globally competitive solutions locally in the UAE, we are committed to enhancing the UAE's industrial base, ensuring that all the vessels we build uphold the highest levels of operational readiness for national security."To ensure peak performance of the fleet, the contract includes a comprehensive Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. This comprehensive framework ensures predictive maintenance planning, bespoke training analysis, and proactive inventory and obsolescence ILS is designed to enable the vessels to remain mission-ready with minimal downtime, enhancing seamless functionality. This significant partnership between Al Seer Marine, Damen International, and Tawazun Council marks a milestone in the UAE's maritime defence industry. By delivering advanced naval vessels and comprehensive support services, the joint venture will contribute to the UAE's ongoing efforts to strengthen its maritime security and protect its national interests.
