The vessel, whose inauguration will take place last Friday, aims to reinforce the capacity to transport cargo on routes in northern Angola.
"This investment aims to reinforce cargo transport capacity, on the strategic routes in the north of the country, Luanda-Cabinda-Luanda and Soyo-Cabinda-Soyo, thus guaranteeing greater operational capacity in terms of quantity of cargo to be transported", informs Secil Marítima, in a statement to which VerAngola had access.
In addition to this new ship – with "capacity to transport up to 520 tons (equivalent to 32 containers)" – the company also says it is "committed to exploring future routes to the south of the country, including the ports of Lobito and Namibe, further expanding the its ability to meet Angola's logistical needs".
On the occasion, the Secretary of State for Civil, Maritime and Port Aviation, Rui Carreira, said that this event is another phase of the company's development: "This event is another phase of its growth. It will reinforce its fleet, it is just one vessel, but we want there to be more because the demand is there, Secil has to be on the ground to meet this demand with safe and quality services", he pointed out, quoted by Rádio Nacional de Angola (RNA).
João Martins, coordinator of the company's management committee, said that they acquired six electric vessels for the route between Kapossoca and Mussulo.
"We acquired six electric vessels for the Kapossoca-Mussulo crossings, we already had an older one that has motor propulsion", he said, adding that of the four catamarans they received, two are already reconditioned "and will probably start sailing this month".
"We also received six catamarans from Sonangol (...), we have the Cabinda which is for cargo and passengers, it is mixed, and now we have acquired this one which is only specifically for cargo. It is a reasonable fleet mainly for passengers", he added, quoted by RNA.
