Namibia celebrates a monumental milestone with the official unveiling of the Benguela Gem, heralded as the world's most advanced diamond recovery vessel. The inauguration ceremony, graced by His Excellency President Hage Geingob, Minister of Mines and Energy, the Honourable Tom Alweendo, and De Beers Group CEO, Bruce Cleaver, marks a significant moment in Namibia's diamond industry history.

The Benguela Gem, a ~US$420 million custom-built vessel, stands as a testament to innovation and technological prowess. Constructed well ahead of schedule, this state-of-the-art vessel promises to elevate Debmarine Namibia's annual production by an impressive 500,000 carats of high-value diamonds, signifying a remarkable 45% increase. Moreover, it brings forth 160 high-skilled job opportunities for Namibians, reinforcing its commitment to socio-economic development.

Debmarine Namibia, a joint venture between De Beers Group and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, proudly welcomes the Benguela Gem into its esteemed fleet. Engineered with precision in Norway and Poland, and meticulously fitted out in Romania, the vessel embodies unparalleled standards of sustainability and safety performance.

Designed over two years, the Benguela Gem integrates cutting-edge technology and advanced design elements to achieve unmatched efficiency, reliability, and accuracy. Equipped with a state-of-the-art dynamic positioning system, the vessel optimizes performance amidst changing weather conditions, minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, it boasts self-sufficiency in water production through innovative heat recovery systems and a reverse osmosis plant.

Prioritizing employee well-being, the Benguela Gem features comprehensive facilities onboard, including entertainment systems, a gym, a hospital, and relaxation amenities, ensuring a conducive work environment for the crew.

Diamond recovery, occurring at depths of 90 to 150 meters below sea level, remains a cornerstone of Namibia's economy. The Benguela Gem's contribution of 500,000 high-value carats adds substantial value to the more than N$10 billion revenue generated annually through the De Beers Group-Namibian Government partnership.

Minister Alweendo aptly notes, "The investment in this vessel is not just an investment in a diamond recovery vessel. It is an investment in the future of Namibia." Otto Shikongo, CEO of Debmarine Namibia, reaffirms the commitment to delivering tangible value to stakeholders and the people of Namibia.

Bruce Cleaver, CEO of De Beers Group, acknowledges the Benguela Gem's significance in driving long-term sustainability and growth in Namibia's diamond sector. Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the vessel's timely completion underscores the collective expertise and dedication of all involved.

The Benguela Gem stands as a beacon of progress, symbolizing Namibia's resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the global diamond industry landscape.