The Multirole Support Ship -- A New Breed of Ships for the N...

Multirole support ships currently on the export market include the Singapore Technologies & Marine Endurance class Landing Platform Dock (LPD), already in service with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The 9,000-tonne ship can sail to a range of 5,000 nmi at a speed of 20 kn; it can embark 20 armored vehicles or 18 MBTs and accommodate a 65-strong crew. The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) operates a single Dokdo class Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH), built indigenously by Hanjin Heavy Industries; three more should enter service by 2016. The 18,800-tonne platform can embark up to 200 vehicles, seven amphibious armored vehicles or 10 MBTs as well as two LCAC-type hovercraft. The ship can also embark up to 15 medium-weight rotorcraft.