The Namibian Ports Authority today received the largest vessel to ever dock in Namibian waters. The 9000 TEUs Maersk Sheerness with the length of 335 meters called along the Port of Walvis Bay this month.
The arrival of this vessel is of great significance, not only to the Ports Authority but to the entire country, as this is not only consistent with our values and drive to becoming Africa’s Number 1 Port Authority but also places Namibia in a more competitive position as it now can accommodate bigger vessels.
The shipping industry has over the past months adopted a new modus operandi of using bigger vessels as opposed to multiple small vessels to transport cargo. This is in the aim of saving operational costs and consolidation of resources. For the entity to be able to compete with other ports, Namport last year officially inaugurated its state of the art New Container Terminal valued at N$4 billion and it is due this that the country is now in a position to accommodate such large vessels. In addition, a milestone of this nature shows the significance of Namport’s investment into the future by equipping and preparing its staff members with the required skills for similar jobs ahead of time.
The plans to bring Maersk Sheerness started mid last year and it is indeed a historic achievement which is worthy of celebration.
Source: http://www.wbcg.com.na/?p=1892
SOURCE: Transport and Logistics Zambia