Debmarine Namibia, a 50/50 joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Group, announced plans for the construction of the world’s largest custom-built diamond mining vessel.
The new vessel of an estimated cost of USD142 million, is expected to commence operations in 2021. It will work alongside the five other mining vessels in the Debmarine Namibia fleet, enhancing recovery of diamonds off Namibia’s Atlantic coastline.
With a length of 176 metres, it will be the largest vessel currently in the fleet and will support mining activities, as ‘SS Nujoma’, the world’s largest diamond sampling and exploration vessel to date, launched earlier this year.
Bruce Cleaver, CEO De Beers Group, said: “The acquisition of a new, custom-built mining vessel will help capitalise on the work of the MV SS Nujoma, thereby supporting the long-term future of Namibia’s diamond sector.”
The business has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kleven Verft AS for the construction of the vessel.
Explore more about the launch of ‘SS Nujoma’ in the following video:
