Namport records a staggering 30% increase in its cargo handling

The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has managed to handle one million tonnes of cargo carried along the corridors from 01 April 2019 until 31 March 2020. The Port of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz contributed equally to the success by recording 5,561,999 tonnes of cargo handled during this last financial year 2019/2020.

The largest portion of growth is reflected by the 100% increased activity along the Trans-Oranje Corridor as 204,301 tonnes of manganese ore was exported via the Port of Lüderitz. The benefit of the Trans-Oranje Corridor is to serve the mines in the Northern Cape, as it is a much shorter route versus using a South African based port.

This unique initiation between TradePort Namibia logistics deal came into fruition early last year. The first consignment was received through the Port of Lüderitz in September last year. This arrangement will further contribute to Namport recording a total of 360 000 tonnes of cargo per annum through the Port of Lüderitz, resulting in a predicted 60 percent overall volume increase as the Trans-Orange Corridor increases its share of cargo volumes.

Along our various corridors the following performances are recorded in the past financial year 2019/2020 ending 31^st March 2020. The Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor recorded a staggering 743 646 metric tonnes compared to the 718 086 metric tonnes recorded the previous year. The Trans Kalahari and Trans Cunene Corridors recorded 50 368 and 23 762 metric tonnes respectively.

Further recordings of imports such as ship spares, steel, sulphur, and ammonium nitrate and steel imports performed well in comparison to the previous financial year 2018/2019.

Ship spares exports increased significantly due to the increased number of vessels at anchorage for repairs and maintenance. The increase of marble to international markets led to a 26% increase compared to the previous financial year.

Sulphur imports increased by 10% compared to the previous financial year. In addition, the demand for ammonium nitrate also increased by 150%.

Steel imports increased by 88% due to the various projects presently underway within the region and Namibia.

Another increase worth noting is from the import of Manganese through the Port of Lüderitz which has increased from 30 000 tonnes per month to 60 000 tonnes. This increase will double the annual throughput from this commodity to 720 000 tonnes. Due to these developments, Namport is currently in discussions with the Oldendorff Shipping line to have a barge option.

A barge is a long flat-bottomed boat for carrying freight on canals and rivers, either under its own power or towed by another.

The results that Namport has managed to attain as an entity are due to the efficient and improved turnaround times at our border posts as well as secure corridors and efficacy at both ports. Other factors are the strong relationships that Namport has managed to foster with customers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and South Africa and the dedication and unwavering commitment of their staff to render world-class services to their clients.

More than ever before, the Namibian Ports Authority remains committed to making Walvis Bay the port of choice for the international market.