The port of Walvis Bay is
outperforming its design
specifications – and Namport
is focusing on improving
productivity to ensure that it retains
its position as the western gateway
into the SADC region.
“We expect to handle
350 000 TEUs this year. That is
a 6% growth on the 331 000 in
2012,” says Namport executive:
marketing and strategic business
development Christian Faure.
According to Namport, the
original design capacity of the port
is 250 000 containers a year – and
this was successfully increased
to 355 000 in 2011 by means of a
terminal optimisation programme.
“There is a lot of focus on
productivity as the shipping
companies have told us that
any increase in tariffs must be
accompanied by productivity
gains,” he says.
Two new 140-ton mobile
ship-to-shore cranes have been
commissioned, bringing the total
fleet to eight – three with 104 ton
capacity, and the remaining five
the full 140 tons. They have a
reach of 35 metres.
With the new gantries the port
will consistently have three cranes
per vessel – allowing for one to be
out of commission for servicing
and repairs at any one time.
Walvis Bay’s vessel repair
capacity has also been increased
through the addition of a third
floating dock which will arrive
shortly.
“At present our floating docks
are fully booked,” he says.
Additional land alongside the
port has also been acquired to
provide common user access for
ship repair.
Namport is working in
partnership with the shipping
companies in order to optimise the
use of the port. Berthing windows
are provided for scheduled services.
Work is also progressing on a
new vehicle terminal with 820
bays. The port is handling around
1 200 vehicles a month, according
to Faure.
These upgrades are geared to
keep freight moving until a new
container quay and handling facility
is built.
Seven companies or consortia
have tendered for the build operate
and transfer project, and the
adjudication process is currently
under way.
CAPTION
Christian Faure ... working in partnership
with the shipping companies.
