L üderitz Bay is being positioned as an export harbour for minerals from Namibia and neighbouring South Africa. In late 2017 the port successfully handled the export of 9000 tons of zinc ingots to China. The cargo was loaded on the Aegean Bulk Agonistis, according to Tana Pesat, manager corporate communications for the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport). It was the largest vessel to have called on Lüderitz, and proved that the port can handle bulk cargo. “The shipment was a trial run to test the carrying capacity of the port and the port passed with flying colours,” she says. Pesat says the shipping line believes that the Port of Lüderitz could load cargo between 26 000 and 30 000 tons of cargo on the Agonistis. They are now looking at exports of manganese – which would give exporters in the Northern Cape alternatives to Port Elizabeth and Saldanha Bay. Containerised manganese is also going out through Durban. “Consultations between Namport and the client are ongoing for the exportation of manganese to take place through the port,” she added. “With a new 500m quay, two recently acquired 60-ton haulers and one 45-ton reach stacker, the port can provide efficient and safe cargo handling facilities for importers and exporters,” she says. The investment follows a feasibility study into the potential for increased bulk mineral exports through Lüderitz Bay. There has been steady growth in volumes through the port for the last eight years. “The Port of Lüderitz serves the mines in the southern regions of Namibia and northwestern South Africa with imports and exports of mining commodities. It is also an important base for the local fishing industry,” says Pesat.
