Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) today announced that the group has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence for the design and build of eight new vessels.

ST Engineering's marine arm, ST Marine, will build the eight vessels at its Benoi Yard.

Its electronics arm ST Electronics will supply the core combat systems and combat system integration solutions.

ST Marine will carry out the platform system integration as the lead system integrator.

Design of the vessels will commence immediately and the delivery of these vessels is expected to be from 2016 onwards.

These new vessels will replace the Republic of Singapore Navy's existing Fearless-class Patrol Vessels, designed locally and built by ST Marine in the 1990s.

"We are honoured to be awarded this contract by Mindef, which reflects the excellent partnership between Mindef and ST Engineering," said ST Marine president Ng Sing Chan.

ST Engineering said it is unable to disclose further details due to confidentiality in its contractual obligation.

ST Engineering shares rose two cents to $3.86 today.