Namibia’s latest naval ship, described as a multi-purpose patrol ship, NS ELEPHANT (S11) has docked in Port Louis on her delivery voyage from China to Walvis Bay.
NS Elephant resembles an offshore patrol vessel built on a frigate hull, says Janes. The ship was built at the Wuhan Shipyard on the Yangtze River and becomes at 2580-tonnes and 109m the largest ship in the young Namibian Navy. The ship has a large helicopter deck aft although there doesn’t appear to be a hangar. The ship has a gun up front and several lifeboats amidships, along with a small crane.
Namibia’s latest naval ship, described as a multi-purpose patrol ship, NS ELEPHANT (S11) has docked in Port Louis on her delivery voyage from China to Walvis Bay.
NS Elephant resembles an offshore patrol vessel built on a frigate hull, says Janes. The ship was built at the Wuhan Shipyard on the Yangtze River and becomes at 2580-tonnes and 109m the largest ship in the young Namibian Navy. The ship has a large helicopter deck aft although there doesn’t appear to be a hangar. The ship has a gun up front and several lifeboats amidships, along with a small crane.
Photographs from a blog reveal that the ship is powered by two Caterpillar V16 diesel engines and also possesses a bow thruster. Other pictures on a different Chinese website show lots of bunks, suggesting that she has capacity to be a troop carrier.
NS Elephant was due to sail late yesterday for Walvis Bay, with a call at either Durban or Cape Town having been indicated. However, seeing as she reportedly took bunkers in Port Louis she may sail directly for Walvis Bay without calling in a South African port.
A Namibian Navy crew has been in China training for the delivery of the ship. Sources reported that she currently has a small number of Chinese on board, possibly civilian dockworkers and inspectors.
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