The just-inaugurated Namibia Maritime Museum will play a critical role in preserving the country's maritime heritage. 

President Nangolo Mbumba said this when he officially inaugurated the museum at Luderitz.

The largest of its kind in Africa, the museum faces the Atlantic Ocean.

Constructed with government funding, the museum is located in the transformed Old Power Station, displaying a treasure trove of thousands of antiques, art, and skeletal remains of sharks. 

The museum, whose role is to attract tourists, will be managed by the Luderitz Waterfront Development Company on a commercial basis. 

"The Namibia Maritime Museum will play an integral role in properly capturing, documenting, and representing Namibia's maritime heritage and the contribution our people made to global seafaring. To this end, I am pleased to note that the museum will include a cultural programme and arts events throughout the year, all geared towards promoting cleaner oceans and long-term sustainability."

The President furthermore called on government officials and educators to advocate for the preservation of the country's maritime heritage.

"It is envisaged that the Namibia Maritime Museum will become the ultimate resource for discovering our maritime history and celebrating the important role the ocean has played in the history of our country."

The maritime museum is the brainchild of Dr. Angel Tordesillas, who is also the board chairperson of the Luderitz Waterfront Development Company. 

The Ministers of Finance and Public Enterprises, Education, and Fisheries and representatives of the Ministry of Fisheries of the Kingdom of Spain graced the occasion.