Following its official inauguration yesterday, after five months of successful sea trials, the mv SS Nujoma, described as “the world’s largest and most advanced diamond exploration and sampling vessel”, is all set to explore the Namibian waters for diamond deposits, De Beers said. 

“The US$ 157 million (N$2.3 billion) vessel will enable Debmarine Namibia, a 50/50 joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Group, to explore diamond deposits and secure diamond supply in the country well into the future,” the Company announced.

Prime Minister of Namibia, the Right Honourable Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the country’s Minister of Mines and Energy, the Honourable Obeth Kandjoze and Founding President Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma – after whom the vessel is named – were present at the well-attended inauguration ceremony held yesterday.

The only offshore diamond mining company in the world, Debmarine Namibia, which was launched   in 2002, 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,” elaborated De Beers. “Through its advanced exploration capabilities, the mv SS Nujoma will enable Debmarine Namibia to increase resource development for the mining fleet.”

The range of unique technologies that the mv SS Nujoma has allows it to “sample faster, take larger samples and collect more information per sample than any other diamond sampling vessel”. 

Moreover, the introduction of the vessel to Debmarine Namibia’s fleet has created 140 direct new jobs, most of which have been filled by Namibians.

The 12,000 tonne, diesel-electric powered vessel is 113 metres long; can accommodate a crew of 80; and has a helicopter deck suitable for Sikorsky S61s.

Speaking at the event Minister Kandjoze said: “Today marks an important milestone for offshore diamond mining in Namibia. The mv SS Nujoma represents the largest ever capital investment in underwater diamond mining and will ensure a long-term, sustainable future for offshore diamond mining in Namibia, as well as creating important new jobs for Namibians.”

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, commented: “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.”

De Beers noted that while diamond mining is the single biggest contributor to Namibia’s economy, the partnership between the De Beers Group and the Namibian Government delivers more than N$10 billion in revenue annually.