NIGERIAN NAVY LAUNCHES NEW HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY VESSEL.
History was made today ln Les Sables d’Olonne France wrth the launching of the first ever purpose built hydrographic survey vessel by the Nigerian Navy. Speaking at the ceremony at the OCEA shlpyard, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, represented by Rear Admiral Abraham Adajl informed that the new vessel was conceived as a replacement for the Nigerian Navy survey vessel, NNS LANA which was decommissioned about 10 years ago. According to the CNS, the launching ceremony was a great Significance as It marked a giant stnde In the efforts towards actuallzlng the dreams of not only restonng but enhancmg ngenan Navy’s survey capability. He also emphasnzed that surveying and chamng play a cruual role in ensunng safe nawganon as well as delivery of mantlme secunty, hence, the new vessel will not only enhance the safety of Nngena’s marmme environment but also serve as a critical component of deployment of naval power for enhanced mantlme security In the Gulf of Guinea. While stating that the vessel wlll also play a cntlcal role In protection of mantlme resources and preservatnon of law and order at sea, thus contributing significantly to the promotion of global mantlme commerce, the CNS specially thanked the Presvdent, Commander In Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhan for hIS unfilnchung support to the recaputaluzahon of the Nigenan Navy Fleet. Earlier, Mr Fabrice Weinbach representing Mr Roland Joassard, the CEO of OCEA, said the “LANA” was the result of the excellent cooperahon between the Nigenan Navy and OCEA teams and also thanked the ngenan Embassy staff and the Nigerian Budding survey team for their commitment and professionallsm. He also remarked that the new Shlp demonstrates the Willingness of Nigeria to Improve the knowledge of the country’s waters with a sea proven platform and up-to«date eqmpment. He also added that the OCEA and Nigen’an Navy relatJons WIII be strengthened through the supply of Integrated IOQISUC support services, lndudlng training, to maintain the operational readiness of the crew, the shlp “LANA” and her equrnent and systems, and the on-SIte technical assistance. Also spealong at the occasion, ngena’s Ambassador to France, Mrs Modupe Enltan Irele hlthlghted the sugnlficance of the ceremony as a mamfestatmn of good Nagen’a French relahons. Construcuon of the new vessel started In 2018 and the vessel is scheduled to Joln the NN fleet In 2021. In view of the importance of this information, you are please requested to disseminate for general publlc awareness.
Signed: SULEMAN DAHUN Commodore
For The Chief Of Naval Staff