Ray Smuts
THE PORT of Cape Town and its adjacent marine engineering companies stand to benefit to the tune of R150 million until the end of the year, thanks to Namco, the ocean diamond mining company operating off the west coast of Southern Africa.
Operations director Pieter Looijen announced that the programme guaranteed 500 jobs and involved three of the company's vessels as well as the leasing of A-berth and an 800sqm lay-down area around the berth.
Recently completed after a two month, R22 million, 20-contractor involvement, refit which included a complete engine overhaul, new security system and helicopter deck and extensive improvements to crew accommodation is the Namibian Gem, acquired by Namco last year on its take-over of Ocean Diamond Mining (ODM).
In port for a R30 million upgrade is Zacharias which will later this year take on board a unique 50-ton exploration tool designed by German seabed diamond technology and Namco engineers.
The company's newest diamond mining vessel, the 8 000-ton Ya Toivo - formerly Britain's HMS Challenger - will soon become a familiar sight in these waters.
Come August Ya Toivo wll have on board the 170-ton Nam, the most powerful crawler to operate on the ocean floor and Looijen says he expects vessel and equipment to be ready for mining operations off Luderitz by the final quarter of this year.
Namco produced more than 270 000 carats from its Namibian seabed concessions last year and is expected to raise production to about 400 000 carats this year.
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