Fisheries minister Derek Klazen believes the addition of two new vessels to the fleet of Lüderitz-based NovaNam will immensely contribute towards the blue growth initiative.  He recently made the remarks while officiating at the inauguration of the new vessels acquired by the fisheries group. 

According to Klazen, the acquisition of the vessels will address the fishing giant’s corporate social responsibility philosophy under the pillars of people, planet, product and communities. This philosophy can be met through advanced hardware technology, the modernisation of fishing hardware towards efficient and safe fishing conditions, optimisation of operations, major improvements in working and living conditions on board the fishing vessel for the crew, and access to healthcare facilities on board. Klazen also emphasised the importance of people needing to fish efficiently as the country’s ocean is very sensitive to the irresponsible exploitation of natural resources. 

“We have to conserve, optimally exploit and safeguard these resources which we borrow from our children and their children’s children,” he stressed. In a statement, NovaNam said it has continuously invested capital on an annual basis to increase its value-adding capabilities and furthermore ensure sustainable employment for its 2 300 staff complement. “This investment is a further example of NovaNam’s commitment to its people’s development and their employment, and to improve livelihoods, food security and nutrition while at the same time supporting sound fisheries management practices and a healthy marine ecosystem,” the company said.

Parliamentarian and former Lüderitz mayor Emilia Amupewa said the investments made by NovaNam thus far at the coastal town have led to socio-economic development. “It is important to mention that Lüderitz was revived from its ghost town status by NovaNam just after independence, and we will always be grateful as citizens of this attractive and somewhat distant town,” she added.

In her contribution, town mayor Anna˗Marie Hartzenberg highlighted it as common knowledge that the socio-economic stability of the harbour town is firmly anchored on the fishing sector. “The addition of the two new vessels by NovaNam spells prosperity for Lüderitz,” she said. 

Hartzenberg also expressed her sincere hope that the vessels will be utilised for the benefit of the town in terms of job creation and economic development.