Walvis Bay-based TUNACOR Group of companies has christened the first ever local custom built vessel in Namibia, worth N$200 million, Oshiveli. Oshiveli, which means first born in Oshiwambo, is the first vessel to be designed from scratch by a local fishing company to fit the Namibian waters. Oshiveli will also be the first deep sea fishing trawler to catch three different species in SADC. The vessel has a factory on board, creating 180 jobs. Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Bernhard Esau says Tunacor’s investment is what Government wants to see as it is in solidarity with its stance on job creation. Esau further says Oshiveli is a testimony that it is possible for rights holders not to only own shares in vessels but can build them from scratch. According to the Marine Resources Act of 2000, ownership of fishing vessels is the most important factor in ensuring that Namibia’s fishing wealth is retained in the country. TUNACOR fishing is a joint venture of more than seven local companies.