The mv SS Nujoma sets sail

The mv SS Nujoma, the world’s most advanced diamond exploration and sampling vessel, has officially reported for duty.

The US$157-million vessel will enable Debmarine Namibia to explore diamond deposits and secure diamond supply in the country well into the future. Debmarine Namibia is a 50/50 joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Group.

The mv SS Nujoma weighs in at 12,000 tonnes and is 113 metres long. It’s diesel-electric powered and can be home to a crew of up to 80 people.

The vessel incorporates a range of unique technologies that allows it to take larger samples and collect more information per sample than any other diamond sampling vessel; it works at more than double the speed of its predecessor.

One of a kind

Debmarine Namibia is the only company in the world to mine diamonds offshore. The company produced around 1.2 million carats in 2016. Mining of Namibia’s diamonds – some of the most valuable in the world – takes place at around 120 to 140 metres below sea level.

Diamond mining is the single biggest contributor to Namibia’s economy. The partnership between De Beers Group and the Namibian Government delivers more than N$10 billion in revenue annually while building mv SS Nujoma created 140 direct new jobs, the vast majority of which were filled by Namibians.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Walvis Bay, Namibia, was attended by Namibia’s Vice-president Dr Nickey Iyambo and Founding President Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, after whom the vessel was named.

“Today marks an important milestone for offshore diamond mining in Namibia.”

Honourable Obeth Kandjoze The minister of Mines and Energy

Otto Shikongo, CEO, Debmarine Namibia, said: “We are delighted to officially welcome the mv SS Nujoma to our fleet. The important collaboration between all parties involved, and the exceptional efforts of those who worked on the vessel’s construction, fitting and sea trials, has seen this impressive vessel delivered three months ahead of schedule and on budget.”

Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, added: “Offshore diamond mining is becoming increasingly important in meeting global demand for diamonds as many of the major onshore deposits have now been discovered.

“The mv SS Nujoma will allow even more of Namibia’s high quality offshore diamonds to be discovered and mined, ensuring a strong future for Namibia’s diamond industry, as well as the global diamond market.”

Find out more about the mv SS Nujoma here.

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