On 14 September, the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) naval support vessel Argus (A135) made a notable arrival in Cape Town, South Africa. Departing from the military base at Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory, RFA Argus entered Cape Town harbour and docked at the Passenger Cruise Terminal at E berth in Duncan Dock.
The arrival of RFA Argus was understated, with minimal fanfare. This visit marks a significant event as it is likely the first British naval vessel to dock in a South African port since HMS Protector (A173) in May 2018. The vessel’s presence underscores the ongoing maritime cooperation between the UK and South Africa.
RFA Argus has a rich history dating back to her construction in 1981 by Societa Cantieri Navali Italiana Ernesto di Breda SpA in Marghera, Italy. Originally launched as a Ro-Ro container vessel named ‘Contender Bezant,’ she was operated by Sea Containers Ltd. The ship measures 175 meters in length and has a gross registered tonnage of 26,845 tons. Powered by two Lindholmen SEMT-Pielstick 18PC2-5V engines, she can achieve a service speed of 18 knots.
In 1982, during the Falklands War, the British Government requisitioned her as a Ship Taken Up From Trade (STUFT) to transport combat helicopters and Harrier jump jets. Although she arrived too late to participate in the conflict, the experience highlighted the need for such a vessel, leading to her purchase and conversion into an Aviation Training Vessel in 1985.
Modern Capabilities
In 2009, RFA Argus underwent another conversion to become a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship (PCRS). Despite her defensive armament, including a Vulcan-Phalanx 20 mm Gatling gun and general-purpose machine guns, she cannot be classified as a Hospital Ship under the Geneva Convention. The vessel retains her aviation capabilities, with hangars for up to six Agusta AW101 Merlin helicopters and the ability to carry CH-47 Chinook helicopters on her deck.
RFA Argus is equipped with advanced navigation and air search radars, and she can operate globally with an impressive range of 20,000 nautical miles. Her crew includes 80 officers and ratings, with additional personnel when serving as a Maritime Aviation Support Force or a PCRS.
Significance of the Visit
The visit of RFA Argus to Cape Town highlights the strategic and cooperative maritime relationship between the UK and South Africa. It also serves as a reminder of the vessel’s versatile role in both military support and humanitarian missions.
In the past, RFA Argus was deployed to West Africa to help fight the outbreak of Ebola, provided disaster relief in the Caribbean and has long supported British operations in the Middle East. Argus was first fitted as a fully-functional hospital ship for the First Gulf War.
