Walvis Bay sets new container record

Walvis Bay has set a new benchmark for itself for the handling of cargo on a single container vessel. The first benchmark of 42.6 berth moves per hour (BMPH) was set in 2011 when the WAFMAX services were introduced. This was raised to 46.76 BMPH in 2012. On September 29, 2014 a new benchmark of 56.09 BMPH was set on a Maersk Line-operated vessel. The ER Bremerhaven had a total of 1206 operational moves performed in 21.5 hours. Louis Maletzky was the vessel agent from the local Maersk office. Although the crane density of a vessel and maximum equipment availability plays a huge role in achieving high berth moves per hour, one of the biggest contributing factors is the close working relationship between Maersk Namibia and Namport, according to Amanda Ellis of Maersk Namibia. “The cooperation between the two organisations to ensure smooth vessel operations shows the willingness and capability of Namport to attract strategic business from around the world,” she says. INSERT 56.09 The number of berth moves per hour achieved last month.