Damen Shipyards Cape Town Celebrates Milestone with Second BIRO IPV Keel Laying
Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) conducted a keel-laying ceremony. This event marked the keel-laying for the second of three Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPV) that DSCT is constructing for the South African Navy’s Project BIRO. The event was thoughtfully organized to guarantee the safety of attendees amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis. In addition to rigorous safety protocols, in-person attendance was minimized, with most participants joining remotely via digital conferencing tools.
The South African Navy’s Project BIRO focuses on enhancing maritime security, ensuring the nation’s ability to respond swiftly, efficiently, and economically to maritime threats like piracy and illegal fishing.
After a safety briefing, DSCT board member Sefale Montsi commenced the keel-laying inspection by welcoming attendees. Ms. Montsi expressed, “I am grateful as a South African to be part of this initiative. The oceans hold significant value for South Africa and its economy. I take pride in being involved in a project that safeguards our borders and resources.”
The MMIPVs utilize tested technology from Damen’s standardized range of patrol vessels, which includes everything from 10-meter interceptors and 50-meter patrol boats to 140-meter frigates. The vessels developed for Project BIRO are customized to meet the specific needs of the South African Navy and incorporate the Damen Sea Axe Bow— a vertical hull design that minimizes slamming, ensuring safe and comfortable operations in turbulent waters. The MMIPVs are the first Sea Axe vessels to set sail in South Africa.
During the keel-laying ceremony, Acting Chairperson of Armscor, Mr. Motimele, stated, “I want to express my gratitude to the DSCT team for effectively bringing the South African Navy’s requirements to fruition. Armscor is immensely proud to participate in this endeavor, which will yield multi-mission patrol vessels for the South African Navy—vessels that will serve them admirably for many decades while fulfilling their mission to protect South Africa’s coastal and marine interests.”
Mr. Motimele was succeeded on the podium by the Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Hlongwane, who mentioned that the current circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic only amplify the significance of Project BIRO.
“A well-regulated maritime sector is essential for the nation’s economic recovery post-pandemic… Combatting Covid-19 presents new challenges for South Africa alongside existing issues in patrolling one of Africa’s largest maritime zones. Additionally, South Africa must meet multiple international safety obligations… Any reduction in the efficiency of South Africa’s supply chain could lead to significant economic turmoil for both our country and neighboring nations. I applaud and congratulate everyone involved in producing the MMIPVs here at DSCT for managing to adhere to the construction schedule under such formidable circumstances. Your dedication to quality is praiseworthy. I confidently assure the South African public that we have chosen an excellent partner to ensure the success of this project. Thank you.”
The project showcases Damen Maritime Security Solutions in action. Through this undertaking, Damen not only contributes a ship but offers a comprehensive maritime solution, encompassing all operational aspects throughout the vessel’s lifecycle while supporting a sustainable maritime sector in the region.
To that end, Damen has wholeheartedly embraced, adopted, and integrated various relevant government programs, such as Defence Industrial Participation (DIP), the Department of Trade and Industry’s Local Content and Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD), and the Youth Employment Service (YES Initiative) into its project framework. By doing this, they aim to exceed the requirements of these initiatives. For instance, Damen plans to surpass Project BIRO’s 60% local content stipulation, awarding contracts to numerous local suppliers. Consequently, many of these suppliers are now designated for future work on Damen projects both within and outside of South Africa. Additionally, DSCT’s involvement in the project has generated over 300 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs in alignment with the South African Government’s Operation Phakisa goals.
Damen’s Project Director for the MMIPV projects, Jos Govaarts, elaborates, “Our ambition extends beyond merely constructing three IPVs. We at DSCT recognize our responsibility to generate employment and nurture our suppliers. We are committed to ensuring that the South African maritime sector fully gains from local projects in the long term. These jobs are here to stay.”
After the speeches, the customary practice of welding a coin to the keel took place. On this occasion, the coin was affixed by Jenny-Lee Fortuin (2nd Year Apprentice: Welder), an apprentice from DSCT’s Apprentice Training Centre—an institution established by the yard to bridge the skills gap in South Africa and provide job opportunities to local learners. The coin placed during this ceremony was a commemorative medal honoring the late Honourable President Mandela, the recipient of the 1993 Nobel Prize for Peace. The front of the coin was crafted by British artist Avril Vaughan, while the reverse side was designed by artist Danuta Haremska.
DSCT is making excellent strides with the first Project BIRO IPV, which it anticipates delivering in 2021.
