Launch for ladies in South Africa

On 25 March, the first of three Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPVs) was launched at Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT). The boats are to be used in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal fishing.
The boat, weighing more than 600 tonnes, was transported from the shipyard to the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Synchrolift at the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront basin on the evening of 23 March. This job was carried out by the South African subsidiary of Mammoet from the Netherlands, a company known for extreme heavy transport. The new building was transported on a 48-axle Self-Propelled Mobile Transporter (SPMT), which allows manoeuvres to be carried out with the utmost precision. The advantage of the low volume of traffic at night was offset by the poor lighting conditions.

Artist`s impression of the new boats from Damen

Once the boat had successfully completed its first journey ashore and been lifted onto the Synchrolift, all that remained to be done was to wait for the tide. With enough water under the keel, the boat was finally able to leave the basin.
The MMIPVs are built according to Damen's patented Axe-Bow design. Its advantages are low resistance, sustained high speed in rough seas and good sea endurance in heavy weather. The design can significantly reduce the vertical movements of the vessels. The bow hits the water less hard in heavy seas, which benefits the safety of the boat and crew. The boats have a multi-mission deck that can be used for diving and SAR operations, but also for anti-piracy missions. They are based on the Stan Patrol 6211 design from the Dutch parent company.

Text: mb; Illustrations: Ladies