Namport records increase in cargo handled at ports

For the financial year ended 31 March, the Namibian Ports Authority (Nam­port) recorded a total cargo throughput of 8.42 million tonnes across the Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports.

This is as Namibia aims to become a key logistics hub in southern Africa in 2025.

However, Namibia missed that target as outlined in the fourth National Development Plan.

According to Namport commercial executive Elias Mwenyo, this is a 4.8% increase from the 8.03 million tonnes handled in the previous year.

“This growth underscores the sustained strength of its operations across bulk, break-bulk, containerised and liquid cargo segments, bolstered by continued cargo diversification, targeted infrastructure enhancements, and strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders,” says Mwenyo.

The biggest increase in cargo handled was recorded at the Lüderitz port.

“The Port of Lüderitz recorded a 21.7% increase in total cargo volumes, rising from 1.21 million tonnes to 1.47 million tonnes year-on-year,” adds Mwenyo.

This growth was as a result of a rise in imports of empty containers, petroleum products, wet fish and machinery.
However, the total exports recorded at the port decreased by 5.4%.

“This was partially offset by steady growth in key commodities such as zinc ore, frozen fish, and ice, which continued to perform well on a year-on-year basis,” says Mwenyo.

On the other hand, exports handled through the Port of Walvis Bay declined by 5.7%.

However, there was an increase in exports of salt bulk, copper and lead concentrates, charcoal, wooden products, as well as marble and granite at the port.

The port also recorded its first-time export of key critical minerals such as nickel and zinc concentrates.

“This is positioning Namibia as an emerging player in the global mineral supply chain,” says Mwenyo.

Meanwhile, the total number of vessel calls declined by 13% year-on-year.

“This decline in vessel traffic was offset by an increase in vessel gross tonnage, reflecting a shift towards larger, higher-capacity vessels, particularly at the Port of Walvis Bay,” adds Mwenyo.

He says the company will continue to invest in soft and hard port infrastructure.

“Namport remains firmly committed to its strategic vision of becoming Africa’s best-performing port and accelerating regional trade and economic integration,” says Mwenyo.

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