Durban – Daman Shipyard Cape Town (DSCT) has announced it has delivered its third multi-mission inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV), the SAS Adam Kok III, to the South African Navy.
This delivery milestone represents the culmination of a strategic initiative by the South African Navy to enhance the security of the South African navy, while also advancing local shipbuilding capabilities and promoting industrial development.
The ship's strategic importance and national importance of the project were appropriately praised at the handover ceremony, held at Durban Naval Base and attended by senior South African naval officers, local government representatives, industrial partners, senior officials and other key stakeholders.
Sefale Montsi, director of Damen Shipyards Cape Town, explained that the P1573 deliveries represent far more than the ship delivery.
“From the beginning, our commitment was clear: to support the South African Navy, empower the local shipbuilding industry and enhance maritime safety,” Monsi said.
“With this delivery, we are proud to be able to respect that commitment.”
Collaboration models: DSCT, Navy, and Arm Call
The P1573 distribution followed the official handover in the town of Simon in March 2025, with the vessel passing strict technical and quality inspections.
The project was driven by close cooperation between the DSCT, the South African Navy, and Armcoll, and coincided with the Department of Defense's broader strategy to modernize and expand the fleet's capabilities.
“This project exemplifies the power of collaboration within the DSCT, the supplier base and, most importantly, the Navy and Arms partners,” explained Monsi.
“Everyone involved has a reason to be proud.”
Boost maritime security along strategic coastlines
The P1573 joins sister ships P1571 and P1572 with the Durban-based Navy Patrol Squadron.
These vessels were dedicated to protecting South Africa's 2,700-kilometer coastline. It is an economic lifeline that carries over 90% of the country's trade in volume, adjacent to the increasingly important Cape Sea route.
Three Ships – SAS King Sekufukune I, SAS King Shakazuru and the newly delivered SAS Adam Kok III have been named in honor of the legendary leader who embodies resilience and leadership, secures the country's water, deters pirates, and blocks fishing operations.
Designed for endurance, versatility and operational excellence, the MMIPV features Damen's patented AX bow design for superior ocean maintenance.
Each vessel is equipped with a 20mm super sealog gun with advanced fortress (frequency modulation optical radar tracker) monitoring technology and includes 9m and 7m interceptor boats for rapid deployment.
“These vessels are built for performance and versatility. They will significantly expand the Navy's operational scope, whether required for border protection, search and rescue, diving operations or training missions,” Monsi added.
Project Biro: Catalysts for Local Industry and Skill Development
Commissioned by the Department of Defense and managed by Armscor, Project Biro has set out to strengthen South Africa's coastal patrol capabilities while building local industrial growth.
DSCT was appointed to the project based on its global expertise and strong commitment to localization.
However, the impact of the project has spread far beyond shipbuilding. It promoted the benefits of economic and skill development nationwide.
DSCT partnered with 848 local vendors to create over 1,000 direct jobs and over 4,000 indirect jobs.
This has greatly strengthened South Africa's maritime value chain and transferred important shipbuilding knowledge to the local hands.
A key pillar of the project was DSCT's On-Site Skills Development Center, where over 50 apprentices were trained in important transactions such as welding, equipment, electrical systems, pipe fitting, logistics and more.
“We not only built the ships, but we are the foundation of our skills, livelihoods and the globally competitive shipbuilding sector,” said Montzi on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
“That's the lasting legacy of Project Bilo.”
Industrial Participation: Creates lasting impacts across shipyards
The critical feature of Project Biro is consistent with the framework of South Africa's national and defence industry participation.
From the beginning, it demonstrates that DSCT can incorporate enterprise development, skill transfer and local sourcing to every stage of the program, working together to achieve sophisticated shipbuilding and comprehensive economic growth.
As a result, the project not only strengthened local manufacturing capabilities, but also helped to embed sovereign industrial capabilities into the national defense ecosystem.
Furthermore, through its involvement in Project Biro, several South African entities gained access to Damen's global supply chain, leading to subsequent export contracts and participation in international projects.
“This global exposure has opened the door for sustainable growth across South Africa's borders,” explained Christopher Hoovers, sales director at DSCT.
“We are proud to have surpassed the objectives of industrial participation, reflecting not only our true commitment to compliance but also our long-term impact.
“As part of Damen's broader philosophy, this approach continues to serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic empowerment and resilience in the South African maritime industry.”
Charts for the previous course: Continuous commitment to maritime excellence
With all three vessels currently being delivered, DSCT is committed to providing ongoing logistics and technical support, including training, spare parts and maintenance assistance, to ensure operational readiness.
Based on its track record, including two port tugs of war based on the project's canter and involvement in regional defense programs, DSCT has reaffirmed its readiness to support future naval requirements.
“We are ready to build more ships for South Africa. We have a track record of highlighting the infrastructure, skilled labor and the capabilities of our local shipbuilding industry.”
“Project Biro shows South Africa can provide cutting-edge naval vessels that meet international standards.
“We are ready to support the navy's evolving needs and help shape the future of maritime defense.”
