Walvis Bay efficiency changes logistics patterns

The efficiency of Walvis
Bay has attracted growing
volumes of imports and
exports, putting major pressure
on the port to expand its
container handling and storage
capacity as well as berthing
facilities.
According to Pieter Greeff,
managing director of Manica
Group Namibia, this rapid growth
has also spawned a proliferation
of logistics companies,
increasing competition in the
market. “Unfortunately some
of these agencies do not have
the infrastructure to deal with
the demands of large cargo
consignments and transhipments,”
he says. “Some undercut rates
and often close shop because they
cannot deliver.”
Port authorities, says Greeff,
have initiated various expansion
plans.
Walvis Bay has established
itself as the port of choice for
cargo imports and exports to and
from various SADC countries,
according to Greeff.
“Shipping congestion does not
exist, despite the high volume
of vessels calling on the port.
The low-cost and less-time
factors, as well as the highly
skilled local marine engineering
expertise, have also created
new opportunities such as
vessel and oil rig repair services
and logistical support for the
supply of specialised parts and
equipment – especially for the
mining sector and oil and gas
exploration in southern Africa,”
Greeff told FTW.