Kudu gas project bodes well for bulk cargo growth

Kevin Mayhew WHILE THE weaker Namibian dollar and the struggling fishing industry dominate the downside of the predictions for the country’s economic performance, there are other factors that bode well for the future. A good year in 2004 saw export bulk cargoes boosting the activities of Walvis Bay Stevedoring Company (WBS), according to general manager Pieter Louw. WBS is a division of the Manica Group. There are noticeably larger shipments going through Walvis Bay, he says. “The outlook for further increases in bulk cargoes is encouraging as is the fact that Kudu Gas is becoming a reality which will bode well for both installation business followed by movement of product,” says Louw. Airport expansion plans, the new Langer Heinrich uranium mine close to Swakopmund, and other projects will also boost activity through the port. The airport expansion will enable the Walvis Bay Airport to handle even the A380 Airbus aircraft which will make possible the freighting of large cargoes of perishables – particularly fresh fish - to the primary markets in Europe.