Tuco Marine, with its ProZero vessels, continues its expansion in the African market and has now sold ProZero Riverine vessels to the Kenya Navy. This sale underscores Tuco’s continued commitment to the African maritime sector, following the recent sale of two ProZero vessels to the Ghana Navy.
With this new sale, Tuco expands its presence in East Africa and contributes to the modernization of the Kenya Navy’s fleet. The ProZero Riverine vessels are designed to operate under demanding conditions and meet specific requirements for rapid and efficient operations in both shallow rivers and coastal areas.
Tuco highlights the collaboration with the Danish Embassy in Kenya, the Danish liaison officer to the Kenya Navy, Kjeld Gaard-Frederiksen, and the Danish government’s Peace and Stabilization Fund for their valuable cooperation and support in realizing this project, which positively contributes to increased security in the region.
In September last year, a delegation from the Kenya Navy and Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) visited Tuco’s shipyard in Faaborg. The visit, arranged by Kjeld Gaard-Frederiksen in collaboration with Danske Maritime, provided the Kenyan representatives with an opportunity to experience Tuco’s facilities and gain insight into the production of the ProZero vessels. During the visit, constructive discussions were held on how the vessels could be tailored to the operational needs of the Kenya Navy.
In December, Tuco traveled to Kenya to visit the Kenya Navy and KSL. Tuco’s CEO, Jonas Pedersen, and international business developer, Magnus Bang, met with the leadership of both organizations to gain a better understanding of the specific requirements and challenges faced by the Kenyan maritime authorities. The visit also provided an opportunity to observe the Kenya Navy’s facilities and discuss how the ProZero Riverine vessels could support their operations, particularly in shallow rivers and coastal areas.
Advanced Propulsion with Swamp Shark Drive
The ProZero Riverine vessels are equipped with the groundbreaking Swamp Shark Drive, an innovative surface drive designed to ensure seamless propulsion in extremely challenging conditions. This enables the Kenya Navy to operate in shallow rivers, mangrove areas, and coastal zones where traditional propulsion systems often fail.
Unlike conventional outboard motors and Z-drive systems, which are easily damaged by floating logs, rocks, sandbanks, or debris, the Swamp Shark Drive is built to absorb shocks without damaging the gearbox or drive system. This technology allows navigation in areas where traditional vessels would be rendered inoperable, providing a tactical advantage in operations that require access to difficult-to-reach waterways.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Cooperation in Africa
The collaboration with the Kenya Navy is an important step in Tuco’s long-term strategy to offer solutions that enhance maritime security in Africa. It supports regional efforts to combat illegal fishing, smuggling, and piracy while contributing to capacity building in the African maritime industry.
With the establishment of ProZero Ghana LTD, Tuco has already built a strong presence in West Africa through local production and technology transfer in collaboration with Ghanaian partners. This new sale to the Kenya Navy demonstrates Tuco’s continued commitment to expanding its partnerships in East Africa and bringing advanced Danish boat technology to new markets.
“We are proud to deliver ProZero vessels to an African navy,” says Jonas Pedersen, CEO of Tuco Yacht Yard. “With Swamp Shark Drive technology and our ProZero vessels, we ensure that our customers get the best possible solution for demanding operations. We look forward to continuing to support the Kenya Navy and other maritime actors in the region with reliable and innovative vessels.”
Tuco Continues Its Growth in Africa
Tuco Marine sees a growing demand for robust, operationally flexible vessels in Africa, where both military and civilian operators require reliable solutions for demanding missions. The sale to the Kenya Navy is part of this development, and Tuco expects further expansion of its activities on the continent.
