Investigator II, a new Multi-purpose Support Vessel which was constructed by Australian company Steber International and co-funded by the Australian and Mauritian governments, was officially launched today by the Prime Minister, the Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth in the presence of the Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, the Hon. Sudheer Maudhoo and Australia’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, HE Ms Jenny Dee.
The 61 ft Investigator II, which is the third vessel that Steber International has built for the Government of Mauritius, will be operated by the Fisheries Training and Extension Centre of the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping and would also be used by the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, the Mauritius Maritime Training Academy and other government institutions to support important training and research in the Blue Economy.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, the Hon. Sudheer Maudhoo said: “The acquisition of Investigator II is coming at an opportune time when my Ministry is taking measures to assess our marine resources and provide better facilities to enhance fish production through sustainable exploitation of untapped resources especially on the banks. The vessel is fitted with sophisticated equipment to carry out acoustic surveys for the stock assessment of unexploited demersal fish on the banks and slopes drop-offs.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, Ms Jenny Dee said: “We are pleased to be launching this multi-purpose vessel with the Government of Mauritius at a time when our two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations and looking ahead at new collaborations. As partners in the Indian Ocean, the Blue Economy is a key priority for Australia and Mauritius and the arrival of this vessel reinforces Australia’s commitment to working with Mauritius in this area. The sustainable use of marine resources is critical for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region, and hinges on strong regional cooperation, sound research and innovative technologies.”
General Manager of Steber International, Mr Alan Steber whose company designed and constructed Investigator II over two years said the relationship with Mauritius goes back over 30 years when it delivered its first Steber vessel in 1986, “Our company is committed to environmental sustainability and prides itself on quality customer service,” Mr Steber said.
A programme of activities has been established by the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping for the implementation of several projects on board the Investigator II which will be carried out in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Mauritius.
5 March 2020