First Littoral Mission Ship ‘Keris’ Handed Over to Royal Malaysian Navy The first Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) "Keris" was formally handed over to the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM or RMN) today during a ceremony held in Qidong, Shanghai, China

The ceremony was attended by Ir Teck Chee (Boustead Naval Shipyard), Dato’ Ahmad Husaini bin Abdul Rahman (Ministry of Defence), Mr Xu Ziqiu (China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. Ltd), Eastern Fleet Commander and RMN Chief Engineer…

Keris‘ final acceptance trials were successfully completed yesterday. The vessel is set to be commissioned at the same location in a ceremony honoring the traditions of the RMN on 6 January 2020. The ceremony will be officiated by Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Reza bin Mohd Sany, Chief of Navy.

About Malaysia’s LMS

For the record, the acquisition contract of the LMS was signed on 23 March 2017 between the Malaysian Ministry of Defense and Boustead in collaboration with CSOC, China. LMS is one of the five classes of ships in the 15to5 Fleet Transformation Program. LMS construction is characterized by “fit for purpose”. This coastal patrol ship is a modular concept that is capable of being configured for specific missions depending on the needs.

All four LMS units will join the RMN Eastern Fleet where they will reinforce the readiness and sovereignty of eastern Malaysia’s maritime waters. The LMS will also address the problem of asset obsolescence as well as maintenance schedule cycles existing RMN ships.

The acquisition of the LMS is through cooperation with China, a first in the history of the Royal Malaysian Navy. Through this acquisition, Malaysia can strengthen diplomatic relations with China in defense and economy.

KERIS will undergo various trials port-side and at sea before

its hand over to the RMN which is set for December 2019.

LMS specifications

Length overall: 68.00 meters

Beam: 9.20 meters

Draft:

Crew: 45 (+16)

Max speed: 22 knots

Range: 2,000 nautical miles at 16 knots

Endurance: Up to 15 days at sea

Operation: Up to sea state 5