The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) is positioning itself to benefit and play a major role in Namibia’s oil and gas boom, according to CEO Andrew Kanime. Kanime believes that positioning Namibia as an energy hub aligns with the country’s strategy of being a regional logistics hub. He states that Namport’s key role in the logistics hub includes developing new infrastructure to increase port capacity and collaborating with the logistics value chain to enhance transport and logistics network efficiency, increase capacity, and improve trade facilitation. Kanime says both the Port of Walvis Bay and the Port of Lüderitz will continue to serve the oil and gas industry, albeit in varying degrees of intensity. Namport will collaborate with the private sector to develop the required infrastructure through public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements, he adds.In terms of short-term plans for the exploration and appraisal phase, Kanime says Namport has provided plans for the next five years.These include the provision of eight hectares of land dedicated to serving as an oil and gas supply base and engineering services to be provided from Walvis Bay, which is sustained by the existing ship and rig repair industry. In terms of financing projects, Kanime says Namport is committed to developing infrastructure that aligns with the industry’s needs.He says the magnitude of the developments and limited public resources necessitate public-private sector collaboration.These plans include the expansion of the Port of Lüderitz with blended financing from the public and private sectors. Namport plans to develop Angra Point at Lüderitz, which will be used for ammonia exports and is expected to be commissioned by 2028.Other plans include the Walvis Bay North Port one-stop supply shop under a PPP, and a similar plan for liquid mud plants. Another PPP is a graving dock at the Port of Walvis Bay. Kanime says due to the existing engineering sector in Walvis Bay and the need to ensure sustainability post the development phase, the Port of Walvis Bay is better placed to support the heavy engineering aspects of oil and gas projects. “While the ports are critical catalysts for the industry, the success of the industry depends on all parties contributing and collaborating to realise the logistics and energy hub vision,” he says.
