TransNamib’s plans to establish a dry port at Grootfontein are gaining traction through support from logistics companies and hauliers.
This was confirmed to Freight News during interviews with industry leaders.
Two of the largest logistics service providers and truck operators are working with TransNamib to establish the railhead to enable rail to replace the 623-kilometre Grootfontein-Walvis Bay road leg between the port and the Copper Belt.
Trucks from the north will transfer cargo in the hub, and then return to Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo or Angola.
This will improve the efficiency of the truck operations while reducing the road traffic on Namibia’s main highways, according to Johny Smith, chief executive officer of TransNamib.
The ultimate goal is to extend the line to the border with Zambia, and for the Zambian authorities to build a link into their rail system.
Replacing the bulk of the road transport with an efficient rail system will reduce the overall cost of doing business in the region Smith believes.
