South African Navy Orders Three Inshore Patrol Vessels from Damen Shipyards

Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has received an order from Armscor – the acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence – for three Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV), 62 x 11 metres.

The vessels form part of the South African Navy’s Project Biro which aims to develop South Africa’s maritime security to respond to maritime threats such as illegal trafficking and fishing.

The IPVs will be the first vessels of a Damen Sea Axe design to operate in South Africa. The Sea Axe is a revolutionary, Damen patented hull design, which offers exceptional seakeeping behavior. The straight-edged, axe-shaped bow cuts through the water, minimising slamming for improved safety and comfort on board and significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

DSCT received the order exactly four years to the day that it received the order to deliver vessels for a previous project for the South African Navy – Project Canter. The yard is delighted to be able to continue to provide support to the navy, says Chairman Mr. Sam Montsi.

DSCT will be sourcing as many components and services as possible for the project from South Africa-based suppliers. In this regard, DSCT plans to provide active support for the Government’s Enterprise Supplier Development programme, supporting small and micro-businesses in the country.

The project will also actively contribute to the Department of Trade & Industry’s National Industrial Participation (NIP) programme and the complimentary, defence-focused Defence Industrial Participation (DIP). In turn this contributes to the Government’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) initiative. DSCT is a Level-3 BBBEE rated company.