Niël Terblanché
A landmark achievement in preserving Namibia’s maritime history was realised on Wednesday when President Nangolo Mbumba officially inaugurated the Namibian Maritime Museum in Lüderitz.
President Mbumba stressed the museum’s importance in documenting the role the ocean has played in Namibia’s development.
“Our coast, stretching 1,572 kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean, has been central to trade, exploration, and cultural exchange for centuries. This museum stands as a resource for discovering our rich maritime history and understanding the ocean’s economic significance,” he said.
He said that the new facility is more than a repository of historical artefacts, the museum will serve as a dynamic centre for public engagement.
It will host cultural programmes, art events, and educational initiatives, including collaborations with schools to introduce children to the wonders of maritime life.
The museum’s exhibits include ship models, maritime artefacts, and a library that holds hundreds of books and stamps related to navigation and seafaring.
The museum, a significant component of the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company’s second phase, is set to showcase the country’s deep maritime roots while promoting education and cultural appreciation.
Located in the historic Lüderitz Old Power Station, which dates back to 1911, the museum is now one of the largest maritime museums in Africa.
Originally conceived in 2004 by the late Dr. Abraham Iyambo, former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the museum project was endorsed by the Namibian Cabinet in 2009.
“Overcoming years of planning, the facility stands as a testament to Namibia’s commitment to preserving its maritime heritage,” the president said.
The museum, constructed at a cost of N$450 million, is designed to be a beacon of Namibia’s seafaring past.
It spans three floors and features a diverse array of exhibitions, including ancient watercraft, fossils, and maps, all contributing to a rich tapestry of the country’s maritime legacy.
According to Fluksman Samuehl, CEO of the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company, the museum will also serve as a hub for marine research and education, fostering marine literacy among Namibians and tourists alike.
Lüderitz has long been central to Namibia’s maritime and economic activities. Its location is the perfect setting for the museum, which aims to elevate the town as a major cultural and tourist destination.
The project is part of the broader Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company initiative, which also includes the development of a 150-bed sea-view hospital, a waterfront hotel, and housing.
“Namibia’s maritime legacy has a new platform from which to inspire future generations,” Mbumba said.
He urged the public to visit the museum, participate in its programmes, and contribute to preserving Namibia’s maritime heritage.
