Cape Town-based shipbuilder Nautic Africa is about to deliver the first of its new 35 m crew and patrol vessels to a West African customer.
The first of class aluminium 35 m Sentinel Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), MV Sir Emeka Offor (registered in Lagos, Nigeria) was launched in August this year. The largest in the Sentinel class, the design is optimized for endurance security patrols and cargo transfer.
As a builder of speciality high-speed, ballistic protected aluminium patrol vessels to the military, Coast Guard and oil and gas communities, Nautic Africa concluded a R600 million deal in mid-2013 to build seven of the 35 m multi-role patrol vessels for West African clients.
Given the area that the vessel will operate in, the vessels features composite ballistic protection, with the wheel house capable of stopping a projectile fired by an AK-47. The vessel is also fitted for, but not with, defensive weapons. Driven by three Caterpillar engines, the vessel has a crew of eight and can accommodate 18 passengers at a maximum speed in excess of 28 knots.
The Sir Emeka Offor, together with sister-ship Queen Alaere, is due to depart on their two-week delivery voyage at the end of October.
Showing strong market growth, it was announced in August that Crovax Shipping, which provides security services for international shipping in high-risk areas, had signed a Letter of Intent for the construction of a 35 m Sentinel class MPV. The ship will be used as a supply and control vessel for the three new Guepard class patrol vessels ordered by Crovax Shipping from DMK Shipyards and due for delivery in 2015-16.
The Nautic Africa brand is used for commercial activities, whilst the military arena is marketed under the Paramount Naval Systems brand.