Massive investment in floating stock to increase NovaNam’s white fish capacity
One of Namibia’s largest fishing companies this week received the Minister of Fisheries as guest at the headquarters of its parent in Spain, to spill the good news in person that starting 2018, construction will start on three brand new trawlers.
NovaNam, the white fish operator based in both Lüderitz and Walvis Bay, told the minister it is their intention to invest N$480 million in three purpose-built new trawlers, each spanning 50 metres from bow to stern. The minister was the special guest at a meeting attended by the chairman, board members and management of NovaNam’s parent company, Nueva Pescanova, by the NovaNam Chief Executive, Mr Miguel Angel Tordesillas and by the Namibian Ambassador to Spain and France, HE Nangula Ithete.
A prototype of the vessels was on display for the minister to view with the Nueva Pescanova chairman confirming that construction of the first unit will start in January next year. The first vessels is expected to be commissioned into the NovaNam fleet by July 2019, followed by number two and three not later than the middle of 2020.
All three vessels will be based in Lüderitz complementing NovaNam’s existing fleet and substantially boosting the white fish operator’s catch capacity and effort.
NovaNam said in a statement released after the meeting with the minister that its operations in Lüderitz, where its largest land-based facility is situated, employs 1800 people making it the biggest employer in the southern harbour town. Another 300 people work for NovaNam in Walvis Bay.
Picture from the left: Mr David Troncoso, the Global CEO Area Fishing of Nueva Pescanova, Mr Ignacio Gonzalez, the Chief Executive of Nueva Pescanova, Hon Bernhard Esau, the Minister of Fisheries & Marine Resources, Her Excellency Nangula Ithete, the Namibian Ambassador to Spain and France, Mr Angel Tordesillas, the Chief Executive of NovaNam, and Mr Jacobo Gonzalez-Robatto, the Chairman of the Nueva Pescanova board.
