Key points
- MV Sprut is a 2200 tonne vessel with full dynamic positioning, four point mooring, a 100 tonne A frame and a 50 tonne crane.
- The vessel will mobilize in Cape Town before starting the 180 day program over Namco’s marine diamond concessions, described as one of the largest on the coast.
- The sampling equipment, called the Namrod, was developed by Royal Boskalis with Namco and clears ten square metre sample points down to bedrock.
- Recent North Sea trials of the equipment showed process recovery efficiency in excess of 95%.
ND Charters, a wholly owned Namibian Minerals (Namco) subsidiary, has finalized charter terms over the MV Sprut, a 2200 tonne vessel with full dynamic position capability and four point mooring. The vessel has a 100 tonne A frame and a 50 tonne crane.
MV Sprut will complete mobilization in Cape Town and will be deployed in Namibian and South African waters to commence a 180 day bulk sampling program over the group’s marine diamond concessions, one of the largest on the coast.
The program will use specifically designed sampling equipment developed by Royal Boskalis in conjunction with Namco. Recent trials in the North Sea demonstrated highly successful results with process recovery efficiency in excess of 95%. The Namrod will clear ten square metre sample points down to bedrock.
The ability to undertake primary screening on the ocean floor, coupled with an articulated means of moving oversized material (boulders), is a unique combination.
The development of the Namrod using proven technology has been achieved within budget.
