The third of the South African Navy’s (SAN’s) multi-mission inshore patrol vessels (MMIPVs) was “blessed” at a ceremony in Cape Town, on Friday. The ceremony took place at the facilities of the ship’s builder, Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT). The MMIPV programme was developed and implemented under Project Biro, to modernise the SAN’s coastal patrol capabilities. The acquisition programme was overseen by defence acquisition, disposals and research and development agency Armscor.

“The ongoing partnership between Armscor, the SA Navy and DSCT has significantly impacted maritime security and the shipbuilding industry,” highlighted DSCT director Sefale Montsi. “Together we have been able to empower small and medium-sized 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.”

The programme to build the three MMIPVs supported 1 000 direct and almost 4 000 indirect jobs. DSCT has calculated that it generated more than one-million man-hours of work. No fewer than 848 local vendors actively participated in the building of the three ships. The project strengthened regional supply chains and represented a success for South Africa’s industrial participation and localisation policy.

“The successful acquisition of the third MMIPV, built entirely in South Africa, is testament to the significant capabilities that exist in our local maritime solutions sector,” affirmed Armscor, in a statement. “Partners like DSCT are integral to job creation, supply chain growth and economic growth in this sector. Today we can proudly say we have South African-built vessels that keep our waters safe.”

Originally, Project Biro was meant to cover the acquisition of both inshore and offshore patrol vessels, but, in the end, only the MMIPVs were ordered. However, with a reported full load displacement of 750 t, the MMIPVs were really coastal patrol vessels.

“[Friday] marks the blessing of the third [MMIPV], a testament to the vision and perseverance of Project Biro,” pointed out Chief of the SAN Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese. “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.”

The programme also saw the transfer of skills from international specialists to South Africans. So far, 50 local apprentices have graduated as artisans from the DSCT Skills Development Centre, following work on Project Biro.

“The project has been a bridge connecting the expertise of the global maritime community with the talent and potential that exists right here in South Africa,” stressed Montsi. “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 [SAN].”

Oddly, the name of the new vessel does not seem to have been released. The lack of a name could explain the use of the term “blessing”, instead of the more usual “christening”, to describe the ceremony.