Third MMIPV gets official blessing in Cape Town
Celebrating a milestone in the newbuilds of navy vessels
SOUTH AFRICA: The blessing of the third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV) in Cape Town on Friday last week follows the delivery of the SAS King Sekhukhune I in May 2022 and the commissioning of the SAS King Shaka Zulu in October last year.
The MMIPVs are designed to deliver a rapid response capability along South Africa’s coastline to counter piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling operations. Their Sea Axe Hull design, patented by Damen, ensures exceptional seakeeping behaviour, reduced fuel consumption, and enhanced safety and comfort onboard.
The three vessels are being built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) as part of Project Biro for the South African Navy. Since its inception, Project Biro has made significant contributions to job creation and the development of small and medium enterprises.
A total of 848 local vendors actively participated in the construction of the MMIPVs, and DSCT estimates that more than one million man-hours of work have been generated, reinforcing regional supply chains, and creating opportunities for skilled job seekers.
The shipbuilding project has also led to the transfer of skills from international experts to local professionals. To date, 50 apprentices, who have worked on Project Biro, have graduated as artisans from the DSCT Skill Development Centre.
The skills that have been developed include welding, boiler making, outfitting, various electrical and automation skills, carpentry, painting, pipe fitting, plumbing, yard planning, manufacturing skills and logistic experience.
A milestone event
Friday’s event marked an important milestone in the construction lifecycle of the MMIPV and was attended by various dignitaries from the Department of Defence, ARMSCOR and the South African Navy.
“The ongoing partnership between ARMSCOR, the SA Navy and DSCT has significantly impacted maritime security and the shipbuilding industry. Together we have been able to empower small and medium enterprises and build three world-class vessels entirely in South Africa.
“We have also built, commissioned, trialled, and delivered two Damen designed 20-metre tugs modified for use by the SA Navy Submarines and two Damen designed 20-metre tugs for general use by the SA Navy,” says Sefale Montsi, Director at DSCT who describes the project as a bridge to connect the expertise of the global maritime community with the talent and potential that exists in South Africa.
“It has not only strengthened DSCT’s capabilities but has also contributed to the development of a skilled workforce in our country. As a result of this skills development and growth DSCT can confidently say we are ready to build more ships for the South African Navy,” says Montsi.
“While the acquisition of Offshore Patrol Vessels remains on hold, the necessity and importance of expanding our maritime capabilities cannot be overstated. These vessels will empower South Africa to conduct more focused and effective missions against threats such as illegal fishing and trafficking, not only within our maritime domain but also across the Southern African Development Community and beyond."
“While the acquisition of Offshore Patrol Vessels remains on hold, the necessity and importance of expanding our maritime capabilities cannot be overstated. These vessels will empower South Africa to conduct more focused and effective missions against threats such as illegal fishing and trafficking, not only within our maritime domain but also across the Southern African Development Community and beyond,” said Chief of the SA Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese at the event.
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