Debmarine Namibia launches mv SS Nujoma
Debmarine Namibia’s latest innovation, the mv SS Nujoma, a 113 metre long diamond sampling and
exploration vessel was successfully launched at the Kleven Verft AS shipyard in Ulsteinvik Norway last week.
The mv SS Nujoma now becomes the sixth vessel in the Debmarine Namibia fleet and is the most advanced marine diamond sampling and exploration vessel in the world.
Months of painstaking design, high precision vessel module construction and part assemblies from around the globe proved successful, when the 12 000 tonne diamond sampling vessel was launched ahead of schedule to the applause of the ship owner, shipbuilders and the Ulsteinvik community.
“It was a pleasure to witness the successful launch of the mv SS Nujoma. Debmarine Namibia with DeBeers Marine South Africa, Kleven shipbuilding Group and Marinteknikk Naval Architects have
demonstrated world class capability in producing this unique, highly innovative, mineral exploration vessel,” said Debmarine Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Otto Shikongo.
“This adventure is still in the making as much work still needs to be done prior to the vessel’s maiden
voyage to Africa. The loyalty, dedication and commitment of the project team thus far, is commendable,” he added.
“Now that the vessel is floating, its outfitting will be completed prior to sea trials and final delivery from Kleven to Debmarine Namibia. Debmarine Namibia is in the process of recruiting and selecting Namibian skilled and licensed seamen who will undergo training and vessel familiarisation prior to the vessel handover,” he said.
The second part of this N$2.3 billion project, the subsea sampling system and treatment plant, has been
developed in parallel by De Beers Marine South Africa and will be installed onto the mv SS Nujoma in the Port of Cape Town in the second half of 2016.
The mv SS Nujoma, proudly named after the Founding President and Father of Namibia, Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, is the first of its kind and incorporates numerous innovative technologies. The mv SS Nujoma is diesel electric powered, and can accommodate up to 80 crew members.
The vessel is scheduled to start commissioning in Namibian waters in the 1st half of 2017.
