Damen launches fisheries vessel for Angola at Romanian shipyard

Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania, recently launched the Ngola Kiluange, the first of three Fishery Inspection Surveillance Vessels (FISV) 6210, for the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries.

The launch provided a moment of suspense when the 62 m Nngola Kiluange sharply heeled over. But the slender FISV 6210 design multipurpose vessel sprang back, keeping it balance perfectly.

Another vessel of this type is currently under construction for the Angolan ministry at the Galati Shipyard, as is a smaller, 28 m long Fishery Research Vessel (a Damen FRV 2810).

The three-ship order involved a unique collaboration between Damen Shipyards, the Dutch Government and ING Bank. The deal was struck under a currently discontinued program of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called ORET, that supported sustainable investment in infrastructure projects in developing countries. Under the ORET framework, the  shipbuilding order also required provision of training, maintenance and replacement parts. In the case of the Angolan vessels, Damen will provide the necessary support services through Damen Shipyards Cape Town.

The fishing sector is one of Angola’s largest economic sectors and its territorial waters are extremely alluring for illegal fishing. Under a regional program, the country collaborates with Namibia and South Africa to protect and survey the fishing grounds.

The FISV Ngola Kiluange can also be brought into action for salvaging and various other jobs.

February 1, 2011