Debmarine Namibia, part of diamond mining firm De Beers Group, has announced that it is at an advanced stage in terms of acquiring a new offshore vessel.
The project is currently in the feasibility study phase and the company has favourably considered Norwegian yard Kleven Verft for the construction of the new vessel.
Kleven Verft delivered diamond exploration and sampling vessel SS Nujoma to Debmarine Namibia in July.
The construction of the vessel will cost around N$2bn ($141m) and the vessel is expected to commence operations in the third quarter of 2021.
“This is yet another exciting project undertaking for Debmarine Namibia,” said Debmarine Namibia CEO Otto Shikongo.
“Notwithstanding, the challenge is that this will be the first time that Debmarine Namibia constructs a mining vessel from scratch. The challenge will be to remain focused on quality, timely delivery, cost containment and safe execution; whilst being cautious of complacency likely to be brought on by the successful execution of the previous vessel,” Shikongo added.
The new vessel, which will be the largest vessel in the Debmarine Nambibia fleet, and will take its fleet to seven vessels.
