(IDEX Online News) – Debmarine Namibia’s newest vessel, the SS Nujoma was successfully launched recently from the Kleven Verft AS shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway, according to a report on Allafrica.com.

The 113 meter long and 12,000 ton diamond sampling and exploration vessel, named after the company’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, has been touted as the most advanced ship of its type in the world. Its subsea sampling system and treatment plant, the second part of this N$2.3 billion ($194 million) was developed in parallel with De Beers Marine South Africa.

Following final outfitting and sea trials, the ship will head to the Port of Cape Town for the installation of the sampling system in the second half of 2016. The ship was delivered ahead of schedule, with Debmarine expecting receipt of the vessel in 2017. It is likely that commissioning will now take place in the first half of 2017.

“It was a pleasure to witness the successful launch of the mv SS Nujoma. Debmarine Namibia with DeBeers Marine South Africa, Kleven shipbuilding group and Marinteknikk Naval Architects have demonstrated world class capability in producing this unique, highly innovative, mineral exploration vessel,” said Debmarine Namibia CEO, Otto Shikongo.

“Now that the vessel is floating, its outfitting will be completed prior to sea trials and final delivery from Kleven to Debmarine Namibia. Debmarine Namibia is in the process of recruiting and selecting Namibian skilled and licensed seamen who will undergo training and vessel familiarisation prior to the vessel handover,” he added.

Debmarine Namibia (Pty) Limited is owned wholly by Namdeb Holdings (Pty) Ltd, which is a 50/50 joint venture between the government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers Centenary AG.

The company mines off the south west coast of Namibia. Debmarine Namibia accounts for more than half the total diamond production in Namibia and offshore deposits are estimated to be 80 million carats.