Financed by Standard Bank and RMB Bank, and built at a cost of N$2.3bn, the ship is the largest-ever capital investment in underwater diamond mining. It is the fifth addition to the Debmarine fleet, but the first solely dedicated to exploration and sampling.
Debmarine Namibia is the only company in the world to mine diamonds offshore, it produced around 1.2m carats in 2016.
Mining takes place from 120-140 metres below sea level. Through its advanced exploration capabilities, the SS Nujoma will increase resource development for the mining fleet.
The vessel’s namesake and founding president of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma, said at the naming ceremony: “I accept this honour and reiterate my commitment to ensure that our mineral resources are used for the benefit of all our people and the safeguarding and preservation of our marine resources.”