On July 30, 2021 at the Z189 Shipyard, the multipurpose submarine search-and-rescue ship (MSSARS) commissioned into the Vietnam People’s Navy (H?i quân nhân dân Vi?t Nam). Initially, Y?t Kiêu was expected to be fully operational before the scheduled Vietnamese-hosted International Maritime Review at Nha Trang in May 2020. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission of the vessel was silently delayed. In June 2021, the submarine rescue vehicle (SRV) for the ship was first time revealed, hinting that the vessel is now closer to its commission. The ship is projected to be stationed at Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Naval Base .
Yet Kiêu (pennant number HQ-927) is a multipurpose submarine search-and-rescue ship (MSSARS) that is operated by the Vietnam People’s Navy. Known as MSSARS 9316, the concept of Y?t Kiêu vessel was first revealed in early 2018 during the Vietship 2018 Exhibition in Hanoi and confirmed to be built by the state-owned Z189 Shipyard, using the design, technology and accessories supplied by Damen Group. The shipis purposed to support the operation of Vietnam People’s Navy’s fleet of six Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarines which were formally acquired in 2009 and firstly commissioned in early 2014.
A keel-laying ceremony for MSSARS 9316 was held in Z189 Shipyard in the city of Haiphong on May 24th, 2018. The Yet Kieu is 3,950 tons and has a max speed of 15.7 knots per hour. It can operate at sea for 30 continuous days/nights and has the ability to withstand level 9 waves along with level 12 winds. It has an operational range of 4,000 nautical miles and feature a helipad as well as “robust dynamic positioning system and various other features” to make sure the ship can function unhindered in harsh weather conditions. The ship also be capable of conducting underwater surveying, seafloor mapping, and will serve as an ocean research vessel.
