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 constructed for Demarine Namibia, a 50/50 three way partnership concerned in marine diamond prospecting and mining.

The 113 meter-long diesel-electric powered MV SS Nujoma may have a displacement of 12,000 tonnes and can accommodate a crew of 80. The ship is touted as essentially the most superior marine diamond sampling and exploration vessel on the earth, geared up with a subsea sampling system and therapy plant developed in parallel by De Beers Marine South Africa.

Following remaining outfitting and sea trials, the ship will head to the Port of Cape Town for the set up of the sampling system within the second half of 2016.

Commissioning is scheduled within the first half of 2017.

Debmarine Namibia was established in January 2002 and mines within the offshore mining license space off the southern coast of Namibia at water depths as much as 140 meters. MV SS Nujoma would be the sixth vessel within the Debmarine Namibia fleet. Its different vessels are Debmar Atlantic, Debmar Pacific, Gariep, Grand Banks and Mafuta.

Debmarine Namibia Chief Executive Otto Shikongo stated: “It was a pleasure to witness the profitable 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 functionality in producing this distinctive, extremely modern, 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 under: