Namport sells an alternative to Eastern Cape shippers

A FOCUS on reefer businesses at Walvis Bay and an expansion of the Port of Luderitz are selling points used by the Namibian Port Authority (Namport) to entice exporters from the Eastern Cape. Port Elizabeth has the home province port, and Cape Town’s port is closer. But expanding services at Namibia’s ports and their key locations on major shipping routes are selling points that should make Eastern Cape shippers aware that there are now alternatives. Eastern Cape exporters of beef and agricultural commodities might be interested to know that cold boxes are proliferating at Walvis Bay. A new reefer terminal spans 9700m² and will house 256 reefer containers by the time the facility is completed in December. Currently the port has a reefer capacity of 248 units. The doubling of unit accommodation shows Namport’s confidence in the port’s future as a shipping point for perishables. “Not just Namibian fish and grapes, but fruit and meat exports from other SADC countries will use the port,” said JoAnn Stevens, Namport’s corporate communications officer. This winter Namport sent a team of officials on a tour of SA corporations to promote Walvis Bay and Luderitz as an alternative to Cape Town. Security has been tightened at Walvis with the installation of television surveillance and electronic card access requirements this past year. As for Luderitz, since taking over the port in 1995, Namport has taken steps to transform it from a small facility serving local fishing to an all-purpose port set to receive regional exports. Adding impetus to the effort has been the sprouting of industries in the Luderitz area, with their own import and export needs. Local clients are essential for Namport, but the port authority has regional ambitions, and is casting longing glances at Eastern Cape exporters.