Naval News reports the launch of the first of three “Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels” (MMIPVs) designed by Damen and built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town for the South African Navy.

The report refers to these as over 600 tons, but that must be a light displacement. Based on Damen’s specs, these are about the same size as a 210, six feet shorter but with greater beam and draft.

• Length: 204′ (62.2 meters)
• Beam: 37.7′ (11.5 meters)
• Draft: 13.1′ (4 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 1,031 tons

A June 2020 report provides some additional detail.

“DSCT is supplying three 62×11 metre Stan Patrol 6211 vessels, which have a maximum speed of 26.5 knots, a range of 4 000 nautical miles, and a crew of up to 62. Combat equipment will include a combat management system, radar, forward gun position and heavy machinegun positions. Reutech is supplying 20 mm Super Sea Rogue turrets, as well as RTS 3200 Optronics Radar Tracker (FORT) systems and communications systems.

“The vessels will each carry one 7 metre long RHIB and one 9 metre long RHIB for boarding operations. Container fittings on the aft deck will be available for fastening on mission equipment.“

They have no flight deck. The South African ships did not exercise all the options available on the design. Damen’s spec indicate these ships may have up to three boats with two 11 meter on davits and a third 7.5 meter in a stern ramp, engines totaling up to 14,400 KW (19,311 HP), speeds up to 30 knots, and a range of up to 5,000 miles at 12 knots.

In 2015 Damen Shipyards Cape Town built a pair of similar but smaller ships to the Stan Patrol 5009 design that replaced the 4708 design in their portfolio. The 4708 design was the basis for the Webber class FRCs. South Africa also has three patrol vessels based on the 4708 design.

Earlier there was a 2017 report that South Africa would build 1800 ton Damen designed Offshore Patrol Vessels. The larger vessels are now in doubt for budgetary reasons. They may find these “Inshore Patrol Vessels” meet their needs, since they are a good deal larger than their current OPVs.