Marine Rescue Vessel 2nd Generation (MRV2G) Commissioning Ceremony – Speech by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs

Commissioner Eric Yap

Many distinguished Guests

Our Home Team Colleagues,

A very good morning to all of you.

Introduction

1. I am very honoured to be here today at this significant occasion – the commissioning of the “Blue Dolphin”, SCDF’s latest second-generation Marine Rescue Vessel. This venue is specially chosen, as the new vessel will be deployed at the West Coast Marine Fire Station, located just beside us.

2. And the commissioning of a vessel, is as you know, is steeped in tradition and in meaning. It is not just a technical milestone - it is a symbol of human endeavour, of skill and of vision. As we saw in the video earlier, “Blue Dolphin” represents the culmination of months of planning, of designing, careful construction, and testing. Every bolt, every weld, every system onboard carries the dedication and bears the hallmark of expertise of a highly capable team.

3. I wish to take this moment to commend the shipbuilders from Penguin International, and the engineers, project managers and team members from HTX, Defence Science and Technology Agency and SCDF Marine Division. Really well done, thank you very much.

4. I want to underscore that your collective efforts are evident not only in the quality of the vessel, but in the spirit with which it is being launched into service.

SCDF Marine Division’s Journey and Challenges

5. As you know, SCDF started the Marine Division in 2012, with only two vessels which were taken over from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore or MPA. Over the next few years, the Marine Division expanded rapidly, adding new vessels to its fleet to enhance its operational capabilities. Today, the SCDF fleet, I’m happy to say, stands at six mission-centric boats – a very impressive achievement in just over a decade.

6. SCDF’s fleet is equipped with a wide range of capabilities to respond effectively to various incidents which might occur in our waters. For instance, the Rapid Response Fire Vessel, as the name itself suggests, is built for swift deployment. The vessel has a top speed of 40 knots and is usually the first to arrive on the scene.

7. The Heavy Marine Rescue Vessel, on the other hand, can carry up to 300 persons for mass casualty evacuation, and it is also integrated with a Command Room that can function as a Forward Command Post out at sea. The Command Room allows SCDF commanders to command, to monitor and to plan for major operations effectively.

8. The flagship, the Heavy Marine Fire Vessel, is one of the most powerful fireboats in the world, capable of sustaining firefighting operations continuously for 96 hours. And not forgetting the first-generation Marine Rescue Vessel, the “Red Dolphin”, a versatile workhorse with capabilities for search and rescue, firefighting and also more importantly, handling Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) threats.

9. SCDF Marine Division’s capability, I would say, is critical amid a rapidly evolving maritime landscape. Singapore’s cruise industry itself is expanding, with more cruise ships calling port in Singapore. For example, the Disney Cruise Line will soon launch its maiden voyage from the Singapore Cruise Centre at the end of 2025, and this itself means larger vessels, with more passengers, will appear in Singapore waters.

10. In addition, the Tuas Mega Port’s first phase of operations has commenced. By 2040, it will be one of the largest container ports in the world, and the resulting high vessel throughput will make Singapore one of the busiest waterways globally.

11. At the same time, the marine industry is shifting towards greener operations. The use of alternative fuels such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), ammonia and methanol brings itself new challenges for maritime response.

The New MRV2G

12. So in order to meet these challenges, SCDF is committed to strengthening its capabilities to continue making sure we actively, effectively safeguard our waters. The “Blue Dolphin” represents the first step in this next phase of development.

13. This second-generation Marine Rescue Vessel includes several enhanced features. It has an integrated Command Centre with the Bridge to improve command and control during incidents. Its upgraded navigation system includes a new station-keeping feature, allowing the helmsman to maintain vessel position automatically – and this helps to reduce fatigue and stress especially during prolonged operations.

14. The vessel also features an advanced Launch and Recovery System (LARS), enabling quicker and safer deployment of its Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB). Notably, the RHIB is fitted with a firefighting system, allowing it to fight fires even in shallow waters.

15. In support of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the “Blue Dolphin” includes a solar charging system for its support equipment and biofuel-compatible engines, enhancing the vehicle’s overall sustainability.

16. Beyond the “Blue Dolphin”, SCDF will add three new vessels by 2030, bringing the total fleet size to ten. The new Marine Division Headquarters at Brani will be ready by early 2026, and a new Marine Fire Post will be built at Punggol’s Northshore Crescent by 2028 – providing comprehensive operational coverage of Singapore’s waters.

Conclusion

17. In closing, let me just underscore that the Marine Division’s progress is a testament of the hard work, foundation, and solid commitment.

18. I want to congratulate the SCDF Marine Division and all its personnel as we officially commission the “Blue Dolphin” today. To SCDF’s marine specialists who will be operating the vessel, I wish all of you fair winds, safe voyages, and pride in serving aboard a vessel built with excellence. And on that note, I also thank ladies and gentlemen, all our guests, for being here with us at the commissioning ceremony this morning.

19. Thank you very much.