Discover the Ss-Nujoma: Ratings & Maritime News

The deep-water diamond exploration vessel SS Nujoma has embarked on its sea trials, leaving the Port of Cape Town for a thorough two-week evaluation of its performance. Following these tests, the ship will return for final outfitting before setting sail to Namibian waters in December. Named after Namibia’s first president, the SS Nujoma is fully owned by Debmarine Namibia, a significant player in the sub-sea diamond mining industry co-owned by the Namibian government and De Beers, each holding equal stakes. Debmarine Namibia stands as the leading diamond producer in the nation, contributing approximately 70 percent of the country's diamond output and playing a pivotal role in the national treasury. This state-of-the-art vessel, with a significant investment of USD $140 million, will bolster Debmarine's existing fleet of five vessels operating along Namibia’s southern coastline. The SS Nujoma will be registered at the Port of Lüderitz, as confirmed by De Beers. Measuring 113 meters in length and 22 meters in width, the diesel-electric ship boasts a displacement weight of 12,000 tons and is equipped to accommodate a crew of 80. Designed for extended deployments, the SS Nujoma can operate at ocean depths ranging from 90 to 150 meters for periods of up to three years before requiring maintenance.