LIMA 2025: STM unveils new multirole support ship design

STM next-generation multirole support ship model displayed at LIMA 2025. (Janes/Vinod Kumar CV)

Turkish shipbuilder STM has unveiled a new multirole support ship (MRSS) design to meet a long-standing Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) requirement.

The design was revealed at the opening day of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2025 in Malaysia on 20 May.

STM said the helicopter-capable vessel is designed to conduct expeditionary operations and is capable of transporting troops, equipment, and vehicles.

It can also be deployed for logistical support operations, serve as an evacuation or hospital ship, and conduct search-and-rescue missions.

STM general manager Özgür Güleryüz confirmed that the ship design will be offered to the RMN to meet its MRSS requirement. “[The ship has been] specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of the Royal Malaysian Navy,” he said.

Speaking to Janes, an STM spokesperson said the ship design was completed in a short period but did not elaborate.

According to STM, its MRSS concept weighs 9,600 tons, has an overall length of 153 m, a beam of 24 m, and a maximum speed of over 18 kt.

The vessel is powered by two 5,200 kW diesel engines and has a range of more than 8,000 n miles at a speed of 14 kt.

The MRSS design can accommodate a crew of 150 personnel and carry up to 500 additional personnel.

STM said the vessel is capable of transporting two landing craft utilities (LCUs), 14 main battle tanks, nine amphibious assault vehicles, two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), and two medium-sized helicopters.