The South African Navy held a blessing ceremony for the second of three Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels at Damen Shipyards Cape Town on 14 October 2022. During the event, the vessel was blessed and a bottle of champagne was broken over the bow as is the custom. The South African flag was raised on the vessel and she was cheered by her crew. The 62m by 11m vessels have been designed by Damen to deliver a rapid response capability that is both effective and cost efficient. The vessel is the second Damen Sea Axe vessel to operate in South African waters where, along with her sister ships, her primary role will be to counter piracy, illegal fishing and smuggling operations. The patented design delivers exceptional seakeeping behaviour with the straight-edged bow cutting through the water, thereby improving comfort and safety while reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Many of the components are commercial off-the-shelf, significantly reducing running and maintenance costs. After this ceremony, the second MMIPV will be launched into the water and then delivered to SAN in 2023 after extensive acceptance trials. The third vessel will be delivered one year later in 2024. The vessels will all contribute to South Africa’s maritime security in strengthening the country’s capability to respond effectively, rapidly, and cost-efficiently to threats such as illegal trafficking and fishing.
The South African Navy held a blessing ceremony for the second of three Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels at Damen Shipyards Cape Town on 14 October 2022. During the event, the vessel was blessed and a bottle of champagne was broken over the bow as is the custom. The South African flag was raised on the vessel and she was cheered by her crew. The 62m by 11m vessels have been designed by Damen to deliver a rapid response capability that is both effective and cost efficient. The vessel is the second Damen Sea Axe vessel to operate in South African waters where, along with her sister ships, her primary role will be to counter piracy, illegal fishing and smuggling operations. The patented design delivers exceptional seakeeping behaviour with the straight-edged bow cutting through the water, thereby improving comfort and safety while reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Many of the components are commercial off-the-shelf, significantly reducing running and maintenance costs. After this ceremony, the second MMIPV will be launched into the water and then delivered to SAN in 2023 after extensive acceptance trials. The third vessel will be delivered one year later in 2024. The vessels will all contribute to South Africa’s maritime security in strengthening the country’s capability to respond effectively, rapidly, and cost-efficiently to threats such as illegal trafficking and fishing.
