It is the pride and joy of Colombia - and not just its navy! One hundred percent self-built at the state shipyard COTECMAR (Cartagena), which belongs to the Ministry of Defence, and designed for exploration and presence in Colombia's exclusive economic zone, the "Simon Bolivar" (151) is an incentive and impetus for a new maritime awareness of the nation. The fact that the ship is based on a Damen design (Netherlands) is only mentioned here for the sake of completeness. However, now on a par with the world's industrialised nations in terms of shipbuilding and marine research, but also surrounded by Chinese fishing fleets on the Pacific side, the maritime security policy of a nation divided along maritime lines (Caribbean/Pacific) and Colombia's participation in the Antarctic missions should certainly receive a boost.
Prominent presence
"Simon Bolivar" receiving its final coat of paint at the Cotecmar shipyard in Cartagena, Colombia. Photo: Cotecmar
At least that is what the statements made by the highest-ranking state representatives at the christening and commissioning ceremony suggest. From President Iván Duque Márquez, Vice President, Chancellor and Foreign Minister Marta Lucía Ramírez to Defence Minister Diego Molano Aponte - everyone made it clear that the "Simon Bolivar" is more than just a hydrographic vessel.
History is part of it
The date of commissioning is also significant: on 24 July 1783 in Caracas (New Granada, now Venezuela) Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Ponte-Andrade y Palacios y Blanco (so much time!), known as "El Libertador", was born. As a staunch independence fighter against Spanish rule, he became the national hero of Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Colourful. "Simon Bolivar", at night before christening/commissioning. Photo: mindefensa.gov.co
As luck would have it, the battle on Lake Maracaibo between the victorious Grand Colombian Republicans and the Spanish royalists took place on his 50th birthday in 1823. As this day paved the way for independence in the north of the South American continent, it is considered the founding day of both the Venezuelan and Colombian navies.
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