Established by the Namibian Ports Authority Act, No. 2 of 1994, the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) is a recognized public enterprise under the Public Enterprises Governance Act, No. 1 of 2019. Headquartered in Walvis Bay, Namport oversees Namibia's key ports: Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.
Port Operations and Strategic Positioning
The Port of Walvis Bay, strategically located on Africa's southwestern coast, serves as a vital transit hub connecting southern Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Located 254 nautical miles south, the Port of Lüderitz supports Namibia's southern regions and provides access to markets in South Africa's Northern Cape.
Key Roles and Contributions
Namport plays a pivotal role in managing and developing port facilities to meet current and future trade demands, enhancing the competitiveness of the SADC region through efficient port services, facilitating economic growth by supporting regional development and cross-border trade, and promoting Walvis Bay and Lüderitz as preferred routes for international sea trade.
Operational Highlights
Namport handles diverse cargo types including containerized, bulk, and break-bulk commodities such as salt, copper, coal, petroleum, and frozen products. The port infrastructure includes specialized facilities like the new container terminal at Walvis Bay, capable of handling up to 750,000 TEUs annually, and ship repair facilities.
Trade Corridors and Partnerships
Namport facilitates local and cross-border cargo imports and exports through four main trade corridors: the Trans-Kalahari, Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi, Trans-Cunene, and Trans-Oranje corridors. These corridors connect Namibia's ports to SADC markets in Zambia, the DRC, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Angola. The Walvis Bay Corridor Group, a public-private partnership, promotes the utilization of Namibia’s transport corridors.
Commodities and Expertise
Namport handles commodities in containerized, bulk, and break-bulk forms, including a wide range such as salt, copper, coal, petroleum, and agricultural products. With dedicated personnel and expertise, Namport ensures excellent customer service and sustainable benefits for port users.
Outlook
As a pivotal entity in the SADC region's maritime sector, Namport is dedicated to expanding and innovating, thereby bolstering Namibia's economic growth and cementing its role in international trade routes. With a vision to become the premier seaports in Africa, Namport emphasizes strategic importance, operational prowess, and unwavering commitments to sustainable development and exceptional customer service.
Click HERE for Performance at a glance - Cargo handled in 2023.
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