In a bold stride toward the future of marine diamond recovery, Debmarine Namibia has unveiled its Next Generation Crawlers, an engineering triumph that redefines offshore recovery innovation. With the successful delivery of two 800NB crawlers and an upgraded recovery system tailored for seamless integration with the MV Benguela Gem, the company signals a new era of performance, resilience, and strategic foresight.

These cutting-edge crawlers are purpose-built to thrive in coarser gravels and high-density panels, delivering a remarkable 20% increase in mining rate and a 30% improvement in pump life. Weighing in at 370 tonnes, they embody the strength and precision required for deep-sea excellence. Their integration onto the MV Benguela Gem was officially celebrated on 8 September, 2025 at Cape Town harbour, where Debmarine Namibia’s Board, senior leadership, and media gathered to mark this milestone, years in the making.

The timing couldn’t be more strategic. With the retirement of the MV Grand Banks and MV Coral Sea, the new crawlers are expected to boost annual carat recovery by approximately 80,000 high-value carats. This not only offsets the production gap but aligns with Debmarine Namibia’s agile response to shifting global 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 emerge stronger when market demand rebounds,” said Kevin Smith, Chairman of the Board.

Debmarine Namibia reflects on the extraordinary dedication that made this achievement possible, especially during a financially challenging period. Training initiatives are already underway to ensure safe and effective operation of the new systems, their commitment to capability development and shared value.

“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,” said Board Deputy Chairperson Shakwa Nyambe. That sentiment is echoed by CEO Willy Mertens, who added, “This technology represents our commitment to sustainable innovation and operational excellence. We are proud to pioneer advancements that will shape the future of marine recovery.”

With this milestone, Debmarine Namibia once again proves that ingenuity, collaboration, and bold vision are the cornerstones of progress. The future of marine diamond recovery has arrived, and it’s powered by the Next Generation Crawlers.