09 Sep 2025

Media release

09 Sept 2025

Debmarine Namibia unveils Next Generation Crawler Technology Ahead of Namibian Deployment

Windhoek, Namibia — Debmarine Namibia is proud to announce a landmark advancement in marine diamond recovery technology with the unveiling of the Next Generation Crawlers, a transformative leap forward in offshore recovery innovation. This milestone marks the successful delivery of two 800NB (NB refers to Nominal Bore, indicating the internal diameter of the crawler’s pipeline system) crawlers and an upgraded recovery system engineered for seamless integration with the MV Benguela Gem.

This milestone marks the successful delivery of two 800NB crawlers and an upgraded recovery system engineered for seamless integration with the MV Benguela Gem.

These state-of-the-art crawlers represent the pinnacle of marine engineering. Purpose-built to operate in coarser gravels and higher-density panels, they deliver a 20% increase in mining rate and a 30% improvement in pump life. Weighing 370 tonnes these machines redefine operational capability and resilience at sea.

The official unveiling and integration of the new generation crawler onto the MV Benguela Gem took place on Monday, 8 September, at the Cape Town harbour, attended by key stakeholders including members of the Debmarine Namibia Board, senior management, and media representatives. The event celebrated years of research, engineering excellence, and shared vision, culminating in a proud moment for Debmarine Namibia and its shareholders.

Following the retirement of the two older diamond recovery vessels, the MV Grand Banks and the MV Coral Sea,  the new  generation crawlers are expected to increase the Benguela Gem carat recovery with approximately 80 000 high-value carats annually, on a profitability basis, more than offsetting the carats lost through the retirement of the two vessels This is also in line with the strategic realignment and business response, to produce to the reduced demand for natural diamonds. 

“We are confident that the new crawler investment combined with technological innovation and disciplined cost management, will position Debmarine Namibia to weather the downturn; and will put the company in a better position, poised for recovery when the natural diamond market demand strengthens,” said Kevin Smith, Chairman of the Debmarine Namibia Board.

As the MV Benguela Gem prepares to return to the Namibian waters at the end of September 2025, Debmarine Namibia acknowledges the extraordinary dedication and precision that made this achievement possible, especially during a financially challenging period. Parallel training initiatives are already underway to ensure safe and effective operation of the new systems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to capability development and shared value.

The Board Deputy Chairperson, Shakwa Nyambe said, “This project is a clear example of how strategic foresight and technical excellence come together to deliver long-term value. The new crawlers are not just an upgrade, they are a platform for future innovation,”

This milestone is a testament to the ingenuity, collaboration, and pioneering spirit that define Debmarine Namibia. It reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in marine diamond recovery.

 

“This technology represents our commitment to sustainable innovation and operational excellence,” said Willy Mertens Chief Executive Officer of Debmarine Namibia. “We are proud to pioneer advancements that will shape the future of marine recovery.”

Contact

Stella Ipinge

Communication Manager, Debmarine Namibia

Tel +264 61 297 8643 | stella.Ipinge@debeersgroup.com | www.debmarinenamibia.com

 

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