Xponents pose in front of the newly commissioned Blue Dolphin. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang)
The Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF’s) marine firefighting and rescue capabilities were significantly upgraded when the 2nd Generation Marine Rescue Vessel (MRV2G) Blue Dolphin was commissioned on 25 June 2025.
The result of a close collaboration between SCDF, multiple HTX divisions, Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and Penguin Shipyard International, the Blue Dolphin project came to fruition after nearly four years of hard work.
(Illustration: HTX/Nicole Lim)
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong shakes hands with SCDF personnel before boarding the Blue Dolphin. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang)
Compared with the first-generation MRV, this new vessel features a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) with a customised fire monitor and sonar for shallow water operations. The vessel is also equipped with advanced chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) detection systems which enables early detection of CBR threats.
In addition, the Blue Dolphin is 10% longer and can hence accommodate more equipment and allow better space planning.
Despite the increased size, the vessel boasts the same top speed of 30 knots as the previous generation.
(Illustration: HTX/Nicole Lim)
Among the HTX divisions involved in this major project was the Policing Programme Management Centre (PPMC), which was responsible for equipping the Blue Dolphin with the Seaborne Electro Optic Sensor (SEOS) and other capabilities like the Video Streaming System (VSS).
Chung Kam Sam, Director, Marine Systems Centre of Expertise (CoE), whose division led the design and construction of the Blue Dolphin, said: “We are grateful and happy for this opportunity to deliver this key marine firefighting and rescue capability to SCDF and HTX.”
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong (left) looks on as his wife christens the Blue Dolphin with the press of a button. Also pictured is Assistant Commissioner Ryan Ong, Commander, SCDF Marine Division. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang)
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong (centre, blue tie) and his wife stand alongside senior members of the SCDF, HTX, DSTA and Penguin International. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang)
Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Programme Management Centre (CDPMC) equipped the Blue Dolphin with the Boarding and Search Camera System, which will enhance communication between responders when working onboard vessels during SCDF operations.
What’s more, the Blue Dolphin will allow SCDF rescuers to quickly identify humans lost at sea thanks to its high-tech video analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) system for marine rescue developed by HTX’s Sense-making & Surveillance CoE.
Xponents who were involved in the development of the Blue Dolphin. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang)
In addition, Platform Systems Sustainment Centre (SC) will be deploying a safety and security video analytics and AI system that bring together advanced versions of the vessel intrusion AI detection system and the SafeX safety lapse AI detection system, which had been developed by Platform Systems SC and Q Team CoE.
Following the delivery of the Blue Dolphin to the SCDF, Platform Systems SC will manage the sustainment of the Blue Dolphin for the next 25 years of its lifespan.
Elfeiz Fadhil (6th from left) and LTC Neo Jia Qi, Head of Operations and Training, SCDF Marine Division (7th from left), with the Endurance Team, who will be responsible for the sustainment of the Blue Dolphin. The members of the Endurance Team are holding their certificates indicating they have completed the training required for the maintenance of the Blue Dolphin’s more than 40 sub-systems. (Photo: HTX/Elfeiz Fadhil)
“Being part of Blue Dolphin’s journey from retiring the old fleet to shaping the new requirements has been an incredible honour,” said Elfeiz Fadhil, Head, CapDev Support, Platform Systems SC.
“As this new vessel enters service, we are excited to be part of its long-term sustainment and ensure it remains operational-ready for the next 25 years!”
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong listens to an explanation on how the Blue Dolphin’s onboard systems work. (Photo: HTX/Dorcas Yang)
