KNS Shupavu

In October 2021, the Kenyan Navy’s vessel KNS Shupavu underwent a mid-life upgrade at the Mombasa Shipyard with the support of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion’s (DSC) Harbour & Voyage (DSHV) team.

Similar scope

DSC previously carried out a similar scope of work to the KNS Shuvapu’s sister vessel KNS Shujaa, by Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen in the Netherlands. On this occasion, the Kenyan Navy wanted to carry out the project scope at their own premises. The Mombasa Shipyard was established a few years ago by Damen Civil and Modular Constructions.

Collaborative approach

Like many DSC projects, the KNS Shupavu upgrade had a collaborative approach. DSHV performed the work together with the yard’s operator, Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL). With this being the first project undertaken at the yard, DSHV helped to assemble a team locally, provided theoretical, practical training in the fields of steelwork, mechanical and electrical engineering.

Together, the team removed the vessel’s engines, generators, electrical systems and navigation equipment for renewal. The interior of KNS Shupavu has been upgraded during performance of the project.

Flexibility & creativity

Logistics posed a challenge during the upgrade, with ordered parts frequently taking longer delivery time for clearing by customs. This required DSHV to demonstrate its customary flexibility, adjusting its planning accordingly.

Facing the actual situation, team is asked to come up constantly with creative solutions. In order to optimise efficiency, DSHV ordered the majority of the parts required for the project in advance in Europe.

Close site by site cooperation and thinking out of the box, gave the required result  – the KNS Shupavu mid-lift upgrade project is completed successfully and according scheduled time frame.