Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS) in Durban has signed a partnership agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and its Canadian subsidiary Vard Marine to construct the Afrika class offshore patrol vessel in South Africa.

The Afrika class is designed to meet the needs of African nations, says SAS.

“Based on the Vard 7 055, it is designed to address a range of maritime challenges facing African nations.

“It offers a combination of affordability, ease of maintenance and operational flexibility.

“Equipped with advanced navigation systems and with robust seakeeping abilities and fuel-efficient engines, the vessel is well-suited for missions including maritime security, counter-piracy operations, fisheries protection and search-and-rescue.”

The offshore patrol vessel is fitted with surveillance systems to enable detection and engagement of surface contacts, ranging from small wooden sailing craft to larger vessels.

With a modular platform for mission flexibility, the vessel can adapt to the varying challenges posed by African waters, notes SAS.

It can launch and recover sequentially, and operate concurrently, two sea boats, as well as conduct helicopter transfer of personnel and light stores at sea.

The vessel has an overall length of 54 m and is powered by the three 2 240 kW (3 270 hp) main engines.

It is capable of 25.5 knots and a 21-day endurance (period before requiring refueling), and can house 47 people.

Within the partnership, Fincantieri will contribute its naval architecture and design capabilities, while Vard Marine, as a naval architecture and marine engineering firm, will provide its technical expertise.

SAS will have “to see to the efficient and cost-effective production” of the Afrika class vessel.

Production in South Africa will bolster the country's defence industry, promote technology transfer and expand the regional supply chain, says SAS CEO Prasheen Maharaj.

It should also create jobs, develop skills and foster technology transfer within South Africa and the broader African continent.

SAS is currently constructing the South African Navy’s new hydrographic survey vessel, to be named the SAS Nelson Mandela.

Signed in December 2017 under Project Hotel, the vessel is based on Vard Marine's VARD 9 105 design.

It will replace the SAS Protea which has served for 52 years in a hydrographic survey role.

The SAS Nelson Mandela is set for harbour trials next year.