Israel Shipyards has successfully delivered two 24-meter long landing craft (LCM) to Senegal, fulfilling a contract signed two years ago.
The vessels, named Yoff and Fadioth, arrived on July 25 and were displayed at their new home, flying the Senegalese flag.
“This marks another significant achievement for Israel Shipyards Ltd, showcasing our dedication to delivering advanced maritime solutions. The next phase involves the Training part of our Transfer of Technology (TOT) programme, where Israel Shipyards’ team will work closely with the customer team to ensure seamless operation and ongoing support,” the shipyard stated.
Launched in February and completing sea trials a month ago, these vessels will replace the Goree and Karabane, which Senegal received from France in 2011. In March 2022, Israel Shipyards announced it had secured a €10.7 million contract from an undisclosed African country to supply the two landing ships, with an option for a third vessel.
“This agreement is of significant strategic importance for Israel Shipyards since this will be the first time we will provide our customers with this type of vessel,” said Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards.
Israel Shipyards is renowned for its patrol and attack craft, particularly its Shaldag series, which has been sold to numerous African countries. The company offers 58 and 62-meter long offshore patrol vessels, Saar class missile corvettes, fast patrol craft, commercial ships, tugboats, and multipurpose boats. Between 2019 and 2020, Senegal received three Shaldag Mk II and one Shaldag Mk V vessels from Israel Shipyards.
Senegal’s Navy has been expanding its fleet in recent years. In 2015, it received the 45.8-meter long offshore patrol vessel Kedougou from STX France, followed by the 58-meter long OPV-190 Fouladou from France’s Ocea in 2016. In April 2021, France’s Ufast shipyard delivered the first of two RPB 33s ordered in 2018.
More recently, Senegal received three OPV 58S offshore patrol vessels from France’s Piriou, with the last, the Cayor, handed over in April this year. The Walo arrived in Dakar in August 2023, and the Niani reached Dakar in January 2024.
These new vessels are part of Senegal’s plan to renew its naval fleet, enabling the maritime arm of service to conduct missions such as fisheries inspection, combating drug trafficking and piracy. Senegal’s navy is responsible for patrolling 700 kilometers of coastline and 159,000 square kilometers of exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
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