Keel laid for new South African Navy inshore patrol vessel

Damen Shipyards Cape Town in South Africa has laid the keel for the final one of three multi-mission inshore patrol vessels (MMIPVs) ordered from the company by the South African Navy.

The vessel will be used as a rapid response platform to counter threats such as illegal trafficking and illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing in South Africa’s inshore waters.

The MMIPV will measure 62 by 11 metres upon completion. It will also be equipped to perform secondary missions such as dive support and search and rescue.