Damen delivers the third vessel delivery to the South African Navy
P1573 joins sister vessels P1571 and P1572 in the Navy’s patrol squadron based in Durban.
Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has delivered the third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV), P1573, at Naval Base Durban for the South African Navy.
The delivery milestone represents the culmination of a strategic initiative by the South African Navy to enhance South Africa’s maritime security, while also advancing local shipbuilding capabilities and driving industrial development.
Sefale Montsi, Director at Damen Shipyards Cape Town, explained that the delivery of P1573 represents far more than the delivery of a vessel - it marks the fulfilment of a promise.
“From the outset, our commitment was clear: to support the South African Navy, empower the local shipbuilding industry, and enhance maritime security. With this delivery, we are proud to have honoured that commitment.”
The delivery of P1573 followed a formal handover in Simon’s Town in March 2025, where the vessel passed stringent technical and quality inspections. The project was driven by close collaboration between DSCT, the South African Navy, and ARMSCOR, aligning with the Department of Defence’s broader strategy to modernise and expand fleet capabilities.
“This project has exemplified the power of collaboration - within DSCT, across our supplier base, and most importantly, with our partners in the Navy and ARMSCOR,” explained Montsi. “Everyone involved has reason to be proud.”
P1573 joins sister vessels P1571 and P1572 in the Navy’s patrol squadron based in Durban. These vessels were purpose-built to safeguard South Africa’s 2,700-kilometre coastline - an economic lifeline that carries more than 90% of the country’s trade by volume, and borders the increasingly critical Cape Sea Route.
Designed for endurance, versatility, and operational excellence, the MMIPVs feature Damen’s patented Axe Bow design for superior seakeeping. Each vessel is armed with a 20mm Super Sea Rogue gun, equipped with advanced FORT (Frequency Modulated Optical Radar Tracker) surveillance technology, and includes 7m and 7.5m interceptor boats for rapid deployment.
“These vessels are built for performance and versatility. Whether it’s needed for border protection, search and rescue, diving operations, or training missions, they significantly expand the Navy’s operational reach,” added Montsi.
Commissioned by the Department of Defence and managed by ARMSCOR, Project Biro set out to enhance South Africa’s inshore patrol capability while building local industrial growth. DSCT was appointed for the project based on its global expertise and strong commitment to localisation. However, the project’s impact extended far beyond shipbuilding; it spurred substantial economic and skills development benefits nationwide.
More than 1,000 direct jobs and over 4,000 indirect jobs were created, with DSCT partnering with 848 local vendors. This significantly bolstered South Africa’s maritime value chain and transferred critical shipbuilding knowledge to local hands.
A key pillar of the project was DSCT’s on-site Skills Development Centre, where over 50 apprentices were trained in essential trades such as welding, outfitting, electrical systems, pipe-fitting, and logistics.
“We haven’t just built ships, but skills, livelihoods, and a foundation for a globally competitive shipbuilding sector,” said Montsi. “That’s the enduring legacy of Project Biro.”
