Marsun partners with eight shipyards on Thai Navy’s future frigate program

March 5, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Thailand’s shipbuilding sector has taken a significant step toward strengthening national industrial security, as Marsun joined the Thai Shipbuilding and Repairing Association and eight domestic shipbuilders to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance large-scale ship construction projects in the country.

The signing ceremony was attended by Suradej Tanpaibul, President of the Thai Shipbuilding and Repairing Association, and Patrawin Chongvisan, the association’s Secretary-General, alongside executive committee members and representatives of participating companies.

The eight companies participating in the initiative include Asian Marine Services, Marsun, Seacrest Marine, Unithai Shipyard and Engineering, Thai International Dockyard, Mariart (Thailand), Lantacruz, and Prakarnkonlakarn Shipyard.

Together, they bring a broad range of expertise to the partnership. Their capabilities span ship construction and repair, advanced engineering, systems integration, and specialized maritime services. By combining their strengths, the companies aim to build a coordinated national capacity capable of delivering complex, large-scale naval projects within Thailand.

Under the framework of the MOU, the signatories will integrate capabilities across technology development, engineering, shipyard infrastructure, skilled labor, and financial support mechanisms.

The collaboration also emphasizes systematic knowledge transfer and the strengthening of Thailand’s domestic maritime supply chain.

Thailand has already demonstrated measurable progress in naval shipbuilding, transitioning from the construction of inshore patrol vessels to offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) domestically.

The agreement seeks to consolidate private-sector expertise and resources in preparation for complex naval programs, including the potential construction of frigates for the Royal Thai Navy.

Industry leaders say the initiative is designed to elevate Thailand’s defense manufacturing capabilities to international standards while reducing long-term reliance on foreign suppliers.

“Promoting domestic shipbuilding is strategically important. Beyond improving the efficiency of defense budget management, it will also reduce dependence on imported technologies, strengthen industrial security, create employment opportunities, and enhance the knowledge and expertise of the Thai workforce. Ultimately, it will lay the foundation for Thailand to develop the capability to build, repair, and maintain large vessels within the Southeast Asian region,” Marsun stated.