Namport unveils dial-in tracking system

Leonard Neill GAUTENG EXPORTERS and importers can now 'dial in' to the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) computer system and obtain instant information on the status of container movements to and from Walvis Bay, says chief executive Wessie Wessels. "We have completed the installation of our Container Terminal Information System (CTIS) which gives up-to-the-minute information on wherever the container may be on its route to or from the port," he told a gathering of members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JMCCI) last week. "It falls in line with our policy of making the Walvis Bay Corridor Group a fast track logistics group which places services through Walvis Bay on a high level of competition with other ports in the southern African region." Walvis Bay harbour, he said, is now handling 28 000 TEU annually but is equipped to step this up to 150 000 if needed. "We have a guaranteed container clearance time of three days at the port," said Wessels, adding with a smile: "I think there are some major South African ports that can envy that claim right now!" The longest recorded wait of a container vessel to be offloaded in Walvis Bay is three hours, while the port has a five year no major theft record. Namport is also offering a flat rate per container, both for handling and loading, although major growth in movements through the harbour last year was in bulk consignments. "We've even had an unusual loading of 38 000 sheep destined for Saudi Arabia," he said. Replying to a question regarding Walvis Bay's hazardous and dangerous cargo capabilities, he replied: "Explosive materials for the developing mines in Namibia as well as large consignments of uranium oxide pass through our gates on a regular basis. We can handle it all."a