Spectators at Damen’s Romania based Galati Shipyard were treated to a moment of suspense when the 62 m fishery research vessel NGOLA KILUANGE sharply heeled over at her launch. But as people drew their breath the little ship sprang back, keeping her balance perfectly.
Spectators at Damen’s Romania based Galati Shipyard were treated to a moment of suspense when the 62 m fishery research vessel NGOLA KILUANGE sharply heeled over at her launch. But as people drew their breath the little ship sprang back, keeping her balance perfectly.
The occasion was the launching of the first of three sea fishery surveillance patrol vessels for the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries. With the three vessels in service Angola will be better equipped to strengthen its knowledge of and exercise control over Angola’s rich fishing grounds.
The fishing sector is one of Angola’s largest economic sectors although its territorial waters have proved extremely attractive for illegal fishing. Under a SADC regional programme Angola is collaborating with Namibia and South Africa to protect and survey the fishing grounds.
The other two vessels consist of a similar ship to the Nngola Kiluange (type FISV 6210) which is under construction also at the Galati yard, and a smaller 28m long fishery research vessel (a Damen FRV 2810 model). The three vessels have been financed jointly by ING Bank and the Dutch Government.
The deal was struck under a currently discontinued program of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called ORET, which supported sustainable investment in infrastructural projects in developing countries. Regulations for such deals are very strict, says Friso Visser, Damen’s regional director: Africa.
“We really had to explain the Dutch mania for organisation to our Angolan counterparts. Fortunately, our relationship goes back a long way and we intend to deepen it even further, Visser said.” The ORET programme regulated Dutch-Angolan co-operation within a clear institutional framework. Education, training and building financial reserves for maintenance and replacement were made compulsory parts of the deal. Damen says that some of these requirements are also part and parcel of its own philosophy. The delivery of spare parts is customary, training and education are regularly given, and special vessel maintenance programs can be obtained.
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