SA christens environmental vessel

South Africa recently christened the first of four new environmental protection vessels, the Lilian Ngoyi, in Cape Town harbour. The ceremony took place on board the 47-metre patrol ship which was built in Table Bay by South African shipbuilders Farocean Marine. The shipbuilder is also set to complete two sister craft, the Ruth First and Victoria Mxenge, during the course of next year.

Fitted with “state-of-the-art” navigation equipment, the new vessel will patrol South Africa’s 200 nautical mile economic exclusion zone, provide help to other Southern African coastal nations, and carry out search and rescue missions if required. Powered by two 2,720kW diesel engines, the newbuilding has a range of about 3,500 nautical miles and is capable of speeds up to almost 40 knots. The Lilian Ngoyi will have a crew of 12, plus three fisheries inspectors.

An ocean-going patrol ship, the 83-metre Sarah Baartman, will be delivered to South Africa in December this year. It was launched recently in Romania at the Damen Shipyards Galatz. With a crew of 29, plus seven fishery control officers, and range of 7,500 nautical miles, it will be capable of operating for up to 45 days in the oceans south of Cape Town. It is expected to play a key role in the protection of marine resources around Marion and Prince Edwards islands.