Following this article, Pete has changed a few bits of the indomitable Shawn C's comment
of January 31, 2021:
Due in part to increased local piracy the Singapore Navy's Maritime Security Command has undergone some strengthening and reorganisation.
Looking at the Singapore Navy's Updated Organisational Structure by scrolling down to the Chart here Maritime Security Command (MSR) is increased in strength with:
- the 8 x Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) of 1,200 tonnes are in the
"Second Flotilla" under MSR. These vessels are new build (4 years old or less) and
represent an increase in displacement and, with it, capability.
- MSR's other main change is the inauguration of Maritime Security & Response Flotilla
consisting of:
= 2 tugboats, and
= 4 most serviceable around 22 y/o Fearless-class Patrol Vessels (PVs) 500 tonnes
redesignated Sentinel-class Maritime Security Response Vessels (MSRVs)
with the names/numbers: MSRV Sentinel 55, MSRV Guardian 56, MSRV Protector 57,
and MSRV Bastion 58
[Pete comment: These Singaporean Sentinels should not be confused with the similar size (353 tons), similar function, US Coast Guard Sentinel class (aka "Fast Response") cutters, some operating out of Guam. Might cause a bit of confusion if some of these US cutters operate out of Singapore!]
See the stirring "Maritime Security and Response Flotilla Inauguration" video below of the 4 Singaporean Sentinel-class with the 2 Tugboats here and below, uploaded by MINDEF on January 26, 2021:
Shawn comments:
With the return of the retired Fearless-class PVs as Sentinel-class 'MSRVs' (Maritime Security Response Vessels, and yes, someone in Singapore's Defense Ministry has a love of creating new acronyms: MSRV, MRCV, JMMS) the near-shore security role has re-assumed priority.
This is primarily due to the rise in sea robberies in local waters, with 34 attempts in 2020 in the Singapore Straits - see the Straits Timesarticle
There were three attempted robberies last week in the Singapore Straits - see Maritime Executive article.
The majority of these cases are robberies, but there has been hijackings in the Malacca Straits and off the East coast of Peninsula Malaysia.
The introduction of the Singaporean Sentinel class would indicate an increased naval presence around the waters off Singapore, with naval units backing up coast guard vessels with greater 'in-the-area' firepower and sensing. Meanwhile the LMVs could be re-tasked with Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) patrol duties, specifically the Malacca Straits, but probably to patrol the shipping routes that lead from Singapore to Indonesia's Natuna Islands. See NavyRecognition . Comarticle.
Pete Comment
Of course SLOC work, out to Natuna may involve bigger fish than pirates - even wandering Chinese naval/militia/coordinated "fishing boat" activity.
Watch this space.