Walvis aims for 1m TEUs

Slow and steady wins the
race – and that’s been the
success formula for the Port
of Walvis Bay.
The port has for the past
few years been consistently
investing in its operations
and has managed to increase
its TEU capacity from
183 000 in 2008 to more
than 350 000 at present.
They have increased berth
draughts to 14m and
significantly improved
handling times, introducing
a 24/7 service to customers
in certain areas.
But the race, say the port’s
managers, is still far from
over.
Speaking at the Transport
Forum recently, Tino
Hanabeb, senior manager
commercial for the Namibian
Ports Authority, said by
2017 the handling and railtransported
cargo capacity
would be double that of 2012.
With containers
contributing 41% to the port’s
total revenue it remains an
important target for the
port authority. Volumes are
expected to grow to around
one million TEUs by 2015
and three million by 2045.