Nigerian Navy unveils new hydrographic survey vessel in France

Th Nigerian Navy in Les Sables d’Olonne, France on Thursday unveiled it’s first ever purpose-built hydrographic survey vessel.

The country’s Navy said the vessel is to be used towards enhancing maritime safety in the Nigerian territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

The new vessel, the security agency hinted, will replace the Navy survey vessel- NNS LANA, which was decommissioned about a decade ago and would join the Nigerian Navy fleet in 2021.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who was represented by Rear Admiral Abraham Adaji said the occasion is a giant stride in the efforts towards actualising the dreams of not only restoring but enhancing Nigerian Navy’s survey capability.

He noted that surveying and charting played a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation as well as delivery of maritime security.

Ibas further hinted that the new vessel would not only enhance the safety of nation’s maritime domain but  would also serve as a critical component of deployment of naval power for enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to him; the vessel would also play a critical role in protection of maritime resources and preservation of law and order at sea, thereby contributing significantly to the promotion of global maritime commerce,” Ibas said.

He commended President  Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support towards  the recapitalisation of the Nigerian Navy Fleet.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fabrice Weinbach, who represented  the Chief Executive Officer of OCEA, Mr. Roland Joassard in his remarks, noted that LANA was the result of the excellent cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and OCEA teams and also  demonstrated the willingness of Nigeria to improve the knowledge of the country’s waters with a sea proven platform and up-to-date equipment.

The Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Mrs. Modupe Enitan Irele stated that the significance of the ceremony was a manifestation of good Nigeria – French relations.