DCNS and KND have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the promotion, construction and sale of offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) in South Africa. The Gowind OPV leverages the most innovative technologies to ensure the success of maritime safety & security (MSS) and counterpiracy missions.

DCNS and KND have signed a partnership agreement to promote, build and sell the vessels.

Following visits by DCNS and KND to each other’s facilities, the two naval shipbuilders quickly recognised the major benefits of forming a partnership.

The purpose of the agreement is to win new OPV contracts, first in South Africa and subsequently in other sub-Saharan African nations.

“We are very happy with the partnership agreement and are very positive that the DCNS OPV is the most suitable solution for Naval applications within Africa,” said James Fisher, CEO of KND.

“This MoU reflects DCNS’s commitment to long-term partnership with KND in order to meet the requirements of the South African Navy as closely as possible,” said Pierre Legros, SVP Surface Ships & Naval Systems, DCNS.

DCNS has designed and developed an innovative range of ships for maritime safety and security missions, including the Gowind ocean patrol vessel (OPV). Construction of the first-of-class Gowind OPV, L’Adroit, began in France in May 2010 and continues apace. The vessel is scheduled for handover to the French Navy before the end of 2011 for operational trials, establishing its « sea proven » status and significantly boosting the credentials of the Gowind range among navies throughout the world.

OPV L’Adroit has a length of 87 metres, an at-sea endurance of 3 weeks and a range of 8,000 nautical miles. With a top speed of 21 knots, the vessel has a helicopter flight deck and can accommodate UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operations. It is designed for reduced crewing, with a complement of 30 and space for 30 passengers.

The ship features a number of major innovations for navies, commandos and coastguards: 360° panoramic visibility from the bridge, a single integrated mast for 360° radar coverage, covert deployment of fast commando boats in less than 5 minutes and provision for UAVs and USVs (unmanned surface vehicles).

KND operates industrial facilities at the Simon’s Town naval dockyard, near Cape Town. The company has full proficiency with the production methods associated with this type of vessel and is currently building six fast patrol boats for a West African nation.

Extract from Defense & aerospace.com