Damen Shipyards Galati has launched ''Ngola Kiluange'', a Fishery Inspection Surveillance Vessel, for the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries.
The Angolan government has another two ships under construction, and is set to strengthen its knowledge of and control over its rich fishing grounds.
Spectators at Damen’s Romania based Galati Shipyard were held in suspense when the 62m Ngola Kiluange (FISV 6210) sharply heeled over at her launch. As people drew their breath it elegantly sprang back, keeping balance perfectly.
Given the exclusive economic zone at West-Africa’s Atlantic coast, holding vast and rich fishing grounds, the acquisition of these vessels represents a real opportunity for the Angolan Ministry.
The fishing sector is one of Angola’s largest economic sectors and its territorial waters are extremely alluring for illegal fishing. Under a SADC regional programme the country collaborates with Namibia and South Africa to protect and survey the fishing grounds.
The Ngola Kiluange can also be brought into action for salvaging and various other jobs.
Another vessel of this type is currently under construction at Galati Shipyard, as is a smaller, 28m long Fishery Research Vessel (Damen FRV 2810), also commissioned by the Angolan Ministry. The threefold order materialised under a unique collaboration between Damen Shipyards, the Dutch Government and ING Bank. The latter two co-financed the project.
