Update: Project BIRO

Damen Shipyards Cape Town’s largest project to date is for three Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPVs) procured by ARMSCOR for the South African Navy (SAN). The vessels will augment South Africa’s maritime security by enhancing the country’s capability to respond effectively, rapidly and cost-effectively to threats such as illegal trafficking and fishing. DSCT has delivered the first of three vessels in May 2022. Since the start of the project, all set milestones have been accomplished: the first vessel has been handed over. Damen will deliver the remaining vessels on time, on budget and with the highest international standards and quality. Furthermore, DSCT is delighted to have incorporated local suppliers and personnel for the building of the vessels. In addition to generating positive results, the MMIPV project has led to a 50% increase in employment at the yard and a 75% increase in vendor opportunities in the last three years.

DSCT’s lengthy track record in shipbuilding has resulted in a solid local supply chain base. Project BIRO allowed DSCT to further develop this base. Government programmes such as Local Content, Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Defence Industrial Participation (DIP) and National Industrial Participation (NIP) provided leverage for a further focus on the inclusion of the local industry.

In this process, DSCT committed itself to subjects recognized as being of crucial importance to South Africa, such as the inclusion of empowered companies, Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs), Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs) and Military Veterans (MV). Embracing these subjects has resulted for instance in the inclusion of well over a hundred EMEs and QSEs into Project BIRO.

Transformation Mission

DSCT recognizes the need for genuine transformation within the business landscape.

DSCT’s B-BBEE Level 1 accreditation in the Defence Sector Charter is a testament to DSCT being a part of the change in South Africa and we remain fully committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture necessary to ensure a strong and sustainable future.