Kleven Verft Launches Diamond Exploration Vessel, SS Nujoma

Image credit: De Beers

Kleven Verft has celebrated the launch of a first-of-its-kind diamond sampling and exploration vessel at its shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway.

The $139 million MV SS Nujoma is being built for Demarine Namibia, a 50/50 joint venture involved in marine diamond prospecting and mining.

The 113 meter-long diesel-electric powered MV SS Nujoma will have a displacement of 12,000 tonnes and will accommodate a crew of 80. The ship is touted as the most advanced marine diamond sampling and exploration vessel in the world, equipped with a subsea sampling system and treatment plant developed in parallel by 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.

Commissioning is scheduled in the first half of 2017.

Debmarine Namibia was established in January 2002 and mines in the offshore mining license area off the southern coast of Namibia at water depths up to 140 meters. MV SS Nujoma will be the sixth vessel in the Debmarine Namibia fleet. Its other vessels are Debmar Atlantic, Debmar Pacific, Gariep, Grand Banks and Mafuta.

Debmarine Namibia Chief Executive Otto Shikongo said: “It was a pleasure to witness the successful launch of the mv SS Nujoma. Debmarine Namibia with De Beers Marine South Africa, Kleven Shipbuilding Group and Marinteknikk Naval Architects have demonstrated world class capability in producing this unique, highly innovative, mineral exploration vessel.

“This adventure is still in the making as much work still needs to be done prior to the vessel’s maiden voyage to Africa. The loyalty, dedication and commitment of the project team thus far are commendable.”

Video of the launch is below: