South African IPV programme reaches new milestone
A blessing ceremony was conducted in Cape Town for the first of three Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels for the South African Navy.
The South African Navy (SAN) held a low-key blessing ceremony on 12 February for its first Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPV) at Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT).
In all, three MMIPVs — being built by DSCT for the SAN under Project Biro — will be used for missions such as maritime patrol and EEZ protection missions.
‘This vessel will be crucial in search and rescue operations and a critical link in security operations. The reconfigurability of the ship makes it a force multiplier in any littoral environment for the SA Navy,’ Chief of the SAN, VAdm Mosiwa Hlongwane, said during the blessing ceremony.
Names for the three vessels are yet to be officially announced. Each MMIPV will be 62.2m long with a beam of 11.5m and draft of 4m, carrying a crew of 48. The 1,031t vessels will have a maximum speed of 30kt and range of 5,000nmi.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the first MMPIV may enter service as early as mid-2021, followed by the second in 2022 and the third in 2023.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps]()
Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps
The contract will see counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) installed at bases, with the initial contract covering site survey and engineering services as well as some system procurement. Work is expected to be completed over the next ten years.
-
![Canada awards Seaspan a construction contract for the first Coast Guard’s Polar Icebreaker]()
Canada awards Seaspan a construction contract for the first Coast Guard’s Polar Icebreaker
CCGS Arpatuuq will be the first heavy cold weather vessel entirely built in Canada.
-
![Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles]()
Denmark places $184 million contract for Naval Strike Missiles
The missiles are being purchased through a government-to-government sale with Norway and will be operated from Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
-
![Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD]()
Navantia combat systems selected for Chinese-built Thai LPD
The landing platform dock, believed to be the largest naval vessel that China has exported, will see the Chinese-built vessel embrace Western technology.
-
![Why USNORTHCOM would struggle to defeat China in the Arctic]()
Why USNORTHCOM would struggle to defeat China in the Arctic
Not having enough naval and C4ISR capabilities to patrol and monitor the region would the US at risk in a conflict with China in the Arctic region.
