Taiwanese Navy launches first indigenous fast mine-laying boat.

On August 4 2020, the Taiwanese Navy held a launching ceremony for Taiwan’s first indigenously-built fast mine-laying boat as well as a keel-laying ceremony for the second of four minelayers that are part of the Taiwanese government’s indigenous shipbuilding project.
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The fast mine-laying boat is expected to be delivered at the end of the year. (Picture source: ROC Military News Agency)

Navy Admiral Liu Chih-pin and Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. Chairman Huang Shou-chen jointly hosted the event at Lung Teh shipyard in Yilan County.

The vessel received the pennant number FMLB-1 (likely for Fast Mine Laying Boat).

The minelayer project was developed based on the enemy threat and combat needs after integrating the military’s mine-laying combat plans, the officials of the Taiwanese Navy stated. It will make it easier to prevent enemy vessels from sailing near Taiwan, the statement said.

Delivery of the third and fourth mine-laying ships is scheduled to be made by the end of 2021. These ships will greatly enhance Taiwan’s offensive mine fighting capacity.

Min Jiang-class mine-laying ship design. (Picture source: ROC Navy)

About Taiwan’s mine-laying ship:

According to Lungteh Shipbuilding, the vessels have a full load displacement of 347 tons, a length of 41 meters, a width of 8.8 meters and a draft of 1.7 meters. The vessels can reach a maximum speed of 14 knots.

In addition to the sea mines (carrying capacity is unknown), the vessel is fitted with a 20mm T75 gun mount (as main gun) and two T74 machine guns (manned 7.62×51 mounts).

The vessel comes with an automatic mine-laying system and propulsion equipment that allows it to lay mines rapidly and with high accuracy.

The minelayers will also have a newly developed automatic mine-laying system and propulsion equipment that allows them to lay mines speedily and precisely.