By Okosun Dennis
The Nigerian Navy (NN) on Thursday launched its first ever purpose built hydrographic survey vessel in Les Sables d’Olonne France.
The new vessel which is scheduled to join the NN fleet in 2021, was conceived as a replacement for the Nigerian Navy survey vessel, NNS LANA which was decommissioned about 10 years ago.
Speaking at the ceremony at the OCEA shipyard, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who was represented by Rear Admiral Abraham Adaji, said the launching ceremony was a great significance as it marked a giant stride in the efforts towards actualizing the dreams of not only restoring but enhancing Nigerian Navy’s survey capability.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information (DINFO), Commodore Suleman Dahun, emphasized that “surveying and charting play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation as well as delivery of maritime security, hence, the new vessel will not only enhance the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment but also serve as a critical component of deployment of naval power for enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
While stating that the vessel will also play a critical role in protection of maritime resources and preservation of law and order at sea, thus contributing significantly to the promotion of global maritime commerce, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas thanked the President, Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the recapitalization of the Nigerian Navy Fleet.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of OCEA, Mr Fabrice Weinbach, who represented Mr Roland Joassard, said the “LANA” was the result of the excellent cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and OCEA teams. He thanked the Nigerian Embassy staff and the Nigerian Building survey team for their commitment and professionalism.
He, however, remarked that the new ship demonstrates the willingness of Nigeria to improve the knowledge of the country’s waters with a sea proven platform and up-to-date equipment.
Weinbach reiterated that the OCEA and Nigerian Navy relations would be strengthened through the supply of integrated logistic support services, including training, to maintain the operational readiness of the crew, the ship “LANA” and her equipment and systems, and the on-site technical assistance.
On her part, the Nigerian Ambassador to France, Mrs Modupe Enitan Irele highlighted the significance of the ceremony as a manifestation of good Nigeria – French relations.
It was learnt that the construction of the new vessel started in 2018 and she is scheduled to join the Nigerian Navy fleet in 2021.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/nigerian-navy-launches-new-hydrographic-survey-vessel-in-france/
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