Namibia’s maritime trade continues to show positive momentum, with the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) reporting a solid increase in cargo throughput for the financial year ending March 31. The authority announced on Tuesday that a total of 8.42 million tons of cargo was handled across the country’s two major ports—Walvis Bay and Lüderitz—marking a 4.8% increase from the previous year’s 8.03 million tons.
This rise reflects a broader trend of operational expansion and efficiency within Namibia’s port sector. Namport attributed the growth to deliberate efforts in cargo diversification, significant infrastructure investments, and strengthened partnerships with key players in the logistics and shipping industries. The increase spanned several cargo types, including dry bulk, break-bulk, containerized goods, and liquid bulk, underscoring the ports’ evolving capabilities to meet diverse trade demands.
Mining Exports Drive Growth
One of the standout sectors contributing to this growth was mining. Elias Mwenyo, Namport’s Commercial Services Executive, pointed to the increased export of mineral concentrates—especially copper, zinc, and uranium—as a key driver. These commodities moved through both Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, reinforcing the ports’ importance to Namibia’s extractive industries and the country’s positioning as a logistics hub for southern Africa’s mineral exports.
In addition to outbound shipments, imports also surged. There was a 7.1% year-on-year rise in inbound cargo volumes, led by significant increases in fertilizer, sulphur, ammonium nitrate, and petroleum products. Machinery and wheat imports also saw a noticeable uptick. Mwenyo noted that break-bulk cargo—goods loaded individually rather than in containers—experienced a 12.8% rise, largely contributing to the overall import growth.
Mixed Export Trends at Walvis Bay
Despite the overall gains, the Port of Walvis Bay registered a slight 5.7% decline in total export volumes. However, this was balanced by increased movement of specific commodities. Notable gains included salt in bulk, various metal concentrates (particularly copper and lead), as well as niche exports like charcoal, wooden goods, and decorative stones such as marble and granite.
A major milestone for Walvis Bay was the initiation of exports of high-value critical minerals, including nickel and zinc concentrates. Mwenyo emphasized that these shipments mark a strategic step forward for Namibia as a growing supplier within the global critical minerals supply chain, essential for industries such as renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Lüderitz Shows Strong Growth
The Port of Lüderitz, traditionally the smaller of Namibia’s two main ports, posted an impressive 21.7% growth in cargo volumes. Total cargo handled increased from 1.21 million tons to 1.47 million tons over the year. The rise was primarily fueled by higher import volumes—specifically in petroleum, machinery, wet fish, and empty containers used for various trade and logistics purposes.
Record-High Container Throughput
Both ports together achieved their highest container traffic in more than a decade. Namport processed 253,996 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 33% increase compared to the previous financial year. This represents an additional 82,845 containers, a clear sign of expanding regional and international trade links.
Mwenyo said the record performance not only reflects the increased volume of goods moving through Namibia but also highlights Namport’s strategic foresight and ability to capture high-value trade opportunities.
Fewer Ships, Bigger Vessels
While the number of vessel calls decreased by 13%, Namport recorded a rise in vessel gross tonnage. This suggests a shift in shipping trends, with fewer but larger vessels calling at Namibian ports. The Port of Walvis Bay, in particular, saw an increase in high-capacity ships, indicating growing confidence among international shipping lines in Namibia’s ability to handle larger, more valuable consignments.
Ship Repairs and Cruise Tourism Recover
Namport’s Syncrolift repair facilities posted mixed results. Occupancy at the repair jetties fell from 96% to 75%, while usage of the repair bays held steady at 47%. Despite the dip in jetty usage, the overall performance was seen as stable, given the challenging market conditions for maritime services.
Another notable recovery was observed in cruise tourism. Both ports reported a rebound in cruise ship visits, with international vessels—including the MSC Musica—making calls during the year. These arrivals supported Namibia’s tourism economy and enhanced the ports’ role as gateways not only for goods but also for international travelers.
Vision for the Future
Namport reaffirmed its commitment to its long-term strategic goals, which include becoming Africa’s top-performing port operator. The authority continues to prioritize regional trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and integration into global supply chains.
“Namport remains firmly committed to its strategic vision of becoming Africa’s best-performing port and accelerating regional trade and economic integration,” Mwenyo concluded.