- South African waters are vulnerable to piracy or terrorism due to budget cuts and a lack of patrol vessels.
- Speaking at the christening ceremony of a Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV), SA Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese called for more patrol vessels.
- Lobese said South Africa has a vast maritime territory that requires robust enforcement and protection measures.
South African waters are vulnerable to piracy or terrorism due to budget cuts and a lack of patrol vessels.
Speaking at the christening ceremony of a Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV) at Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) on Friday 1 March, SA Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese called for more patrol vessels.
“On the morning of Wednesday 28 February at 08:00 in the morning, there were 1 528 ships within our exclusive economic zone. Can you imagine the international outcry if some of these ships were to become victims of piracy or terrorism?
“If our government does not actively decide to enlarge our budget and procure more of these ships, the scenario I sketch above can indeed happen.”
Addressing dignitaries from the Department of Defence, Armscor and the SA Navy Lobese said South Africa has a vast maritime territory that requires robust enforcement and protection measures.
“At any time, there are close to 100 fishing vessels along our coast, these are only legal vessels that adhere to regulations by switching on their Automatic Identification System, which allows us to track them.
“There are dozens more illegal vessels that switch off, or don’t use the AIS system, and simply come into our oceans.”
The new patrol vessel built at Damen Shipyards, the third to be completed, is designed for rapid response capabilities along an extensive 2 798 km coastline.
However, an additional 11 inshore patrol vessels and 15 offshore vessels are needed.
“The SA Navy will attempt to source funding for the additional 11 (inshore) vessels. There is still the urgent requirement for an additional 15 offshore patrol vessels as well.
“If we wait too long we will find there is nothing left for us to protect for our next generation. When it comes to national security threats to our nation it is evident that the main source of these threats will be from the seas.”
The first MMIP vessel was delivered in May 2022 to Armscor with the SA Navy commissioning the second vessel in October last year.
DSCT director Sefale Montsi said the partnership with Project Biro, Armscor, SA Navy and Damen Shipyards had a significant impact on maritime security.
“Together, we have been able to empower small, medium and micro-enterprises and build three world-class vessels entirely in South Africa.
“We have also built, commissioned, trialled and delivered two Damen-designed 20-metre tugs modified for use by the SA Navy submarines and two Damen-designed 20-metre tugs for general use by the SA Navy.”
Since its inception, Project Biro has made significant contributions to job creation, supporting over 1 000 direct jobs and employing nearly 4 000 individuals indirectly.
“The project has been a bridge connecting the expertise of the global maritime community with the talent and potential that exists right here in South Africa.
“It has not only strengthened DSCT’s capabilities but has also contributed to the development of a skilled workforce in our country. As a result of this skills development and growth, DSCT can confidently say we are ready to build more ships for the South African Navy,” said Montsi.
The patrol vessels are designed to deliver a rapid response capability along South Africa’s coastline to counter piracy, illegal fishing and smuggling operations.
“The successful acquisition of the third MMIPV, built entirely in South Africa, is a testament to the significant capabilities that exist in our local maritime solutions sector.
“Partners like DSCT are integral to job creation, supply chain growth and economic growth in this sector. Today we can proudly say we have South African-built vessels that keep our waters safe,” said read a statement from Armscor.
