Walvis markets shorter, more cost-effective logistics chain

ALAN PEAT
USE OF Walvis Bay as a hub port for main line carriers to Europe and the Americas, and with ground feeder services to SA, will trigger major savings, according to Jerome Mouton, manager for marketing and strategic business development at Namport.
“The Walvis Bay Corridor,” he said, “provides a robust transport link across the southern sub-continent and to the outside part of Africa because the facility offers nothing less than untapped growth potential for trade between southern Africa and the Americas.”
In the logistics chain, Mouton sees the use of the port and the corridor as both a time and cost saving.
“Cargoes originating from the Atlantic region and destined for central and southern Africa can gain five to seven days of sea time by being discharged in Walvis Bay and taken on by the overland route.”
The intention of the Corridor Group, he added, is to facilitate the marketing of the port of Walvis Bay (including the access routes through neighbouring countries), address issues in trade and traffic facilitation, and to ensure smooth cross-border operations.
In its marketing, the port of Walvis Bay capitalises on its geographical location in relation to Europe, the Americas and the industrial centre of Gauteng - in conjunction with the east/west Trans-Kalahari and Trans Caprivi highways.
“Namport has an active international and regional strategy and has set sights on developing comprehensive and effective world-class port services.”