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.
