MFV Oukaume vessel officially inaugurated
The official inauguration and blessing ceremony of the MFV Oukaume vessel, valued at N$100 million, took place on 15 November at Cadilu Fishing.
Originally built in 1988 and previously registered under the Belize flag, the vessel was acquired in September by Cadilu Fishing (Pty) Ltd, Ompagona Fishing Company (Pty) Ltd and the Walvis Bay Small Boat Owners Association (Pty) Ltd. It was officially reflagged in October.
Fisheries and marine resources minister Derek Klazen, in his keynote address last Friday, said the development could significantly reduce unemployment in Walvis Bay.
The Oukaume vessel, measuring 50 metres in length and 12 metres in width, was acquired in September with a total investment of N$100 million.
"This vessel is designed to have a catch capacity of 5 000 metric tonnes of hake and will primarily operate out of the Embwinda Fishing Factory, which plays a vital role in supporting 1 100 jobs within the local community."
"The vessel will provide employment for 30 full-time crew members, thereby contributing to both job creation and economic stability in Namibia," Klazen added.
New era
The Oukaume is equipped with several facilities that enhance its operational efficiency.
These amenities include private cabins and ablution facilities for crew members, a fully equipped gym designed to promote their health and well-being, and specialised accommodations for female crew members.
Klazen emphasised that the integration of female crew members on board represents a significant advancement toward achieving gender equity and inclusivity within the Namibian fishing industry.
The minister thanked Cadilu Fishing, Ompagona Fishing Company and the Walvis Bay Small Boat Owners Association for their role in the vessel's launch.
"Their partnership embodies a shared commitment and reflects our common vision for a sustainable and prosperous future for Namibia’s fishing industry," he said.
The blessing of the Oukaume comes at the start of the 2024/2025 hake fishing season, which began on 1 November and will continue until September 2025.
Originally built in 1988 and previously registered under the Belize flag, the vessel was acquired in September by Cadilu Fishing (Pty) Ltd, Ompagona Fishing Company (Pty) Ltd and the Walvis Bay Small Boat Owners Association (Pty) Ltd. It was officially reflagged in October.
Fisheries and marine resources minister Derek Klazen, in his keynote address last Friday, said the development could significantly reduce unemployment in Walvis Bay.
The Oukaume vessel, measuring 50 metres in length and 12 metres in width, was acquired in September with a total investment of N$100 million.
"This vessel is designed to have a catch capacity of 5 000 metric tonnes of hake and will primarily operate out of the Embwinda Fishing Factory, which plays a vital role in supporting 1 100 jobs within the local community."
"The vessel will provide employment for 30 full-time crew members, thereby contributing to both job creation and economic stability in Namibia," Klazen added.
New era
The Oukaume is equipped with several facilities that enhance its operational efficiency.
These amenities include private cabins and ablution facilities for crew members, a fully equipped gym designed to promote their health and well-being, and specialised accommodations for female crew members.
Klazen emphasised that the integration of female crew members on board represents a significant advancement toward achieving gender equity and inclusivity within the Namibian fishing industry.
The minister thanked Cadilu Fishing, Ompagona Fishing Company and the Walvis Bay Small Boat Owners Association for their role in the vessel's launch.
"Their partnership embodies a shared commitment and reflects our common vision for a sustainable and prosperous future for Namibia’s fishing industry," he said.
The blessing of the Oukaume comes at the start of the 2024/2025 hake fishing season, which began on 1 November and will continue until September 2025.
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