Namport invests R1bn in new container quay

WALVIS BAY is being transformed into a major regional shipping and logistics hub through extensive infrastructure upgrades. Namport is investing over a billion Namibian dollars (R1bn) to open a new container quay and stacking area designed for 500 000 teus a year. Construction is due to start in the last quarter of this year, with the new container facilities coming into operation in 2011. Namport’s vision is to develop Walvis Bay as a regional hub, with the spokes being the corridor routes. These routes lead to “190 million” customers, according to Namport manager sales and services, Elias Mwenyo. He says the growing economies in Namibia’s neighbouring countries are creating unprecedented demand for all types of goods. Exports through Walvis Bay are also expected to grow as these countries realise the cost-effectiveness of using the port which, according to Mwenyo, offers the shortest transit times to Europe and the Americas in Southern Africa. In 2007 the port handled 148 000 teus and signs are good that the target of 220 000 teus for 2008 will be exceeded, he says. “Berth Zero” will occupy the existing small craft harbour. It will cater for up to three 5 000 teu vessels at a time. Two post panamax ship to shore cranes per berth will replace the existing mobile cranes, while rubber tyred gantries will be used to stack the containers up to five high. The stacks could go higher if necessary, says Mwenyo. “We are planning for growth into the next generation.” The quays and turning basin will be dredged to 16.3 metres, and the approach channel will also be deepened to cater for the bigger vessels. New logistics opportunities will be created by the new container terminal and the development of the hub. And Namport is happy to talk to any company wanting to be part of the growth. “The advantage of Walvis Bay is that we are flexible. There is ready access to the management team and we sit around the table and make decisions there and then,” he says.