The Namibian Navy has christened its new logistics support ship ‘Elephant’ at a ceremony in Walvis Bay, President Hifikepunye Pohamba has revealed.

Pohamba was quoted by New Era news paper as saying that the event marked a significant milestone in the development of capabilities for the Namibian Navy and the Namibian Defence Force (NDF).

The new vessel is expected to boost the country’s naval logistic capabilities, while ensuring safety of the nation. It will join the existing Namibian fleet consisting of the NS Brendan Simbwaye, as well as two harbour patrol boats called Mowe Bay and Terrace Bay.

"We firmly believe Namibian Ship Elephant will play an important role in defending Namibian territorial waters."

In addition to protecting the country’s exclusive economic zone, the ship will also be capable of addressing unexpected threats or events that may occur in Namibia’s territorial waters, according to Pohamba.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Wang Xiao Chao, vice-president and board member of China Poly, which is responsible for construction of the ship, said: "We firmly believe that Namibian Ship Elephant will significantly improve the Namibian Navy’s capability of territorial water control and logistic support and will play an important role in defending Namibian territorial waters."

See Also:

President Pohamba added: "It is for this reason that Namibia cooperates with other member states in SADC (Southern African Development Community) to maintain peace and security in our region."

Scheduled to replace the decommissioned lieutenant general Dimo Hamaambo ship for the navy, China’s Wuhan Shipyard-built Namibian Ship (NS) Elephant is armed with a 37mm naval gun and two 14.5mm twin-barrelled machine guns.

Capable of carrying 6x12ft containers of 24t, the 2,500t ship has been designed to carry six armed personnel carriers of 12t each and at least a crew of 150.