Built as a research vessel under yard No 1005 by Yarrow (Shipbuilders) Ltd., Scotstoun near Glasgow for the South African Government.
20 July 1970 laid down.
14 July 1971 launched as SAS PROTEA (A324) named after the national flower of South Africa, the “protea”. She was a sistership of the Royal Navy Heckla class research vessels.
Displacement 2,733 ton full load. Dim. 79.3 x 15 x 4.7m. (draught)
Powered diesel electric by? (most probably 3 Paxman Ventura V-12 diesel engines, speed 11 knots.)
Hull ice strengthened.
Crew 124.
23 May 1972 commissioned. Managed by the South African Navy.
After delivery sailed via Lisbon, Luanda and Walvis Bay to Simonstown her bases on 14 July 1972.
She is equipped for hydrographic survey with facilities for the collection of oceanographical date for which she is fitted with special communications equipment.
Accommodation for seven scientists
Fitted out with a hospital and library.
She also carries a Polaris survey system, survey launches and facilities for helicopter operations.
Apart of her survey role she carried out various assistances operations
1995/96 refitted with new engines Diesel-electric by 3 MTU diesels; 3,840 hp., one electro motor, 2,000 hp, one shaft, controllable pitch propeller, speed 14 knots
One bow thruster.
Range by a speed of 11 knots, 12,000 mile.
During her work at sea she visited many far off places like the South Shetlands, Kergeulen, Marion and prince Edward Islans and the Antarctic.
She was the first South African vessel which sailed round Cape Horn
Carried now one Alouette III helicopter.
She will be replaced by a new survey vessel.
July 2011 SAS PROTEA at the moment in Simonstown berthed, IMO No 7114707.
South Africa 1997 70c sg959, scott965
Source: Various web-sites. http://www.navy.mil.za/equipment/auxiliaries.htm