SADC trade offers beacon of hope

Growth in some sub- Saharan countries and their neighbours offers a beacon of hope to both exporters and the logistics industry in the region, according to Christian Faure, executive: Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) marketing and strategic business development. Speaking to stakeholders recently, Faure said the percentage domestic product growth in sub-Saharan countries excluding South Africa was exceeding the world average – and that of China. Growth is reflected in an increase of freight on the Trans Cunene and Trans Caprivi corridors, with almost flat expansion on the Trans Kalahari Corridor, an indication showing the least improvement. Walvis Bay is now ranked 75th (up from 102 in 2004) in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) Liner Shipping Connectivity Index – ahead of Kenya (76). World Bank projections are that this growth will continue over the next three years at least. Namport continues to invest in order to cater for the growing demand. Dredging has deepened the quay depth from 12.8m to 14m at berths 1 to 3, the quays have been extended to accommodate two 4500 TEU vessels simultaneously, new storage areas to accommodate a throughput of 355 000 TEUs per annum (up from 250 000) have been completed, a further six rubber tyred gantries have been purchased, the car terminal is being extended, and Walvis had a “seamless Navis implementation,” he said. Namport was awarded “Best Port Operator or Terminal in Africa” at the African Rail and Harbours Conference in Sandton in June this year. Faure admitted that “equipment availability is a problem due to increased throughput”. Additional shore to ship gantries, stackers and hauliers are being budgeted for, and the port has instituted a three-shift system in order to maximise productivity. “The port expansion continues to receive the highest priority.” CAPTION Christian Faure … continued investment in Walvis Bay.