In a milestone for regional marine manufacturing, South African maritime stakeholders have helped establish an Angolan shipyard that this month celebrated its inaugural First-Class Multi-Role Patrol Boat.
Kianda Shipyard in Luanda owes much to well-known South African James Fisher, former CEO of Paramount Maritime Holdings and founder of Nautic Africa (which was bought by Paramount). Kianda produces a range of TOMBWA aluminium commercial vessels ranging from 7.5m to 27.5m, engineered for patrol, survey, offshore support and landing craft operations.
The company has just launched its first 16-metre TOMBWA 50 Multi-Role Patrol Boat, signalling a major step forward for the Angolan yard founded in 2022 by Fisher and his Angolan partner José Figueiredo.
“Today is far more than the launch of a patrol boat. It represents the launch of capability, confidence and partnership,” Fisher said in a launch statement.
“Four years ago, José Figueiredo and I shared a vision of creating a shipyard that would not simply build vessels but would help build an industry. Seeing the first TOMBWA 50 enter the water, constructed by Angolan hands with the support of outstanding South African partners, is a proud moment for everyone involved.”
“This project demonstrates that African nations can achieve remarkable outcomes when we collaborate, share expertise and invest in one another’s success. Technology transfer, skills development and local manufacturing are not aspirations, they are realities that create lasting economic value.”
The inaugural vessel has been delivered for Teleservice Maritime, which has placed a multi-vessel order to support the expansion of its offshore maritime security operations. Teleservice Maritime provides critical security services to International Oil Companies (IOCs), safeguarding strategic offshore energy infrastructure within Angolan waters.
South African partners involved in the project include Southshore Resources (Pty) Ltd (strategic leadership and project management), BD Procurement (Pty) Ltd (procurement and supply chain), KND (Pty) Ltd (naval architecture and vessel design), Southern Power (Pty) Ltd (propulsion and marine engineering integration), and Ark Marine (Pty) Ltd (marine manufacturing support).