TSAMTO, November 19. The keel of the third multi-purpose patrol ship of the coastal zone MMIPV (Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel) has been laid at the Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) shipyard as part of the Biro project of the South African Navy.
As reported by Defenceweb.co.za With reference to Damen's press release, the company fulfilled the requirements of the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure the participation of local industry at least 60% in the project and the creation of about 300 direct and more than 1,000 indirect jobs.
The purchase program for the South African Navy of three MMIPV ships (Biro project) with a total cost of 1.5 billion rand ($105 million) was approved in October 2017. The aim of the project is to ensure maritime security, prompt response to maritime threats, including piracy and illegal fishing.
Damen Shipyards Cape Town announced the conclusion of a contract with the Armscor Military Procurement Agency of the Ministry of Defense of South Africa for the supply of three patrol ships in February 2018. Then Damen did not disclose the type of ships, indicating only that they would be made in the configuration with the "axe-shaped" bow of the Damen Axe Bow, and the picture as an illustration of the message depicted a stylized ship of the Stan Patrol 6211 project (Stan Patrol 6211) in Cape Town Bay.
Laying of the keel of the lead ship of the Sekhukhune series with b/n P1571 took place at the V&A Waterfront shipyard in Cape Town on February 23, 2019, launching on March 25, 2021. It is planned that its completion will be completed at the Elliot Basin pier next year. The keel of the second ship was laid on September 9, 2020. Earlier it was reported that the second and third platforms (P1572 and P1573) will be delivered in September 2022 and January 2024.
MMIPV will be the first ships in the South African Navy built according to the Sea Axe project with a Damen patented hull design that ensures high seaworthiness. The ship is distinguished by an "axe-shaped" bow, which allows cutting through the water, minimizing the impact of waves on the hull, increasing safety and comfort on board, as well as significantly reducing fuel consumption.
The length of the ship "Stan Patrol 6211" is 62.2 m, width – 11 m. The ship is equipped with four MTU diesel engines and develops a maximum speed of 26.5 knots, a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles, a crew of 62 people.
