Japan picks Palfinger’s slipway systems for next-gen FFM-class frigates

September 2, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Japan has selected equipment provider Palfinger to supply its slipway systems for the country’s next-generation FFM-class multirole frigates.

While maintaining visual similarities with the existing Mogami-class, the next generation of Japan’s FFM-class frigates marks an evolution in this naval design, featuring a hull that is ten meters longer and one meter wider. Following the selection of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) as prime contractor, Palfinger Marine has been named to supply the stern launch and recovery systems (Stern-LARS) for the first five vessels of the new frigates.

The scope of the contract includes an updated version of the Palfinger slipway system technology, previously delivered for the Mogami-class, adapted to meet the demands of the new FFM design.

The frigates are scheduled to be built between 2027 and 2036.

“We at PALFINGER are proud to have been selected once again as the supplier of our Slipway Systems for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force’s future Multirole Frigates,” said Torstein Svane, Global Key Account & Segment Manager for Governmental, Navy & Coast Guard at PALFINGER MARINE.

“Being chosen for the Stern-LARS solution for these vessels demonstrates that PALFINGER has the high-quality products, engineering capabilities, and project execution power necessary to take on the most demanding projects.”

According to Palfinger, employing the slipway system technology offers a range of operational benefits. It “significantly improves safety by eliminating the need for lifting, hooks, painter lines, arrester wires, or other mechanical connections, effectively reducing the risk of dangerous situations during launch and recovery operations”.

At the same time, it increases efficiency and speed by simplifying operations and enabling single operator use, eliminating the need for manual support during launch and recovery, it was highlighted.

To remind, MHI recently launched and named the eleventh Mogami-class frigate built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).