R62 million has been pumped into the new Nelson Mandela University Ocean Sciences Campus with another R75 million rand investment set aside for phase two and three.
The new campus, a first of it's kind in South Africa, was officially launched in Port Ellizabeth on Friday, making it NMU's 7th campus.
The Ocean Sciences campus has been designed to facilitate engagements towards finding solutions to Ocean Science challenges and contribute to the development of the country's ocean economy.
NMU Vice-Chancellor Professor, Derreck Swartz, says the new campus will also unlock opportunities for poor communities who live on the coastline.
Eastern Cape Economic Growth and Development MEC, Mlibo Qoboshiyane says the university will play a major role in developing skills which is the key to unlocking the ocean economy.
Phase two which includes refurbishment of the building will be completed by the end of this year followed by the last phase of the project next year.
