Namibia’s balance of trade has been given a boost through a R7-billion ($486 million) investment in what is described as the world’s most modern diamond mining vessel, the Benguela Gem.It will add 500 000 high-value carats to Debmarine Namibia’s annual production and create 160 new jobs, according to the company.This is a 45% increase on current production, according to Debmarine, which says it is the “biggest single contributor to the Namibian economy”.In monetary terms, it will add more than N$10bn to the revenue that a partnership between De Beers Group and the Namibian Government delivers to Namibia each year.Pearls and diamonds accounted for 19.4% of Namibian exports by value in 2021, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency. The Benguela Gem was designed in Norway and Poland, built in Romania, and fitted out with its proprietary mission equipment by De Beers Marine South Africa. It is equipped with a dynamic positioning system which automatically optimises the vessel’s performance in changing weather conditions.Crew have access to entertainment systems, a gym, a hospital and relaxation facilities on board.Debmarine Namibia works in depths of 90 to 150 metres below sea level, and recovers some of the highest quality diamonds in the world.
