STAFF WRITER
NAMIBIA Ports Authority (NamPort) recorded an increase in the amount of cargo handled at both Walvis Bay and Lüderitz by 4.8% at 8.03 million tons in the first quarter of this year.
A statement released by NamPort’s Executive Commercial Elias Mwenyo said the growth
show the port company’s 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.
Mwenyo said the port authority is committed to y serve as a cornerstone of Namibia’s socio- economic development by delivering world-class port services that support both local and regional economies.
He added that the Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are more than just transit points, but strategic national assets that enable vital trade flows across all sectors, providing essential gateways for importing critical inputs such as Sulphur, fertilizer, and machinery, which fuel domestic and regional industries.
“The mining sector remains one of the most significant contributors, with notable increases in the export of copper concentrate, zinc concentrate, and uranium oxide concentrate through both the Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Imports rose by 7.1%, led by significant gains in fertilizer, Sulphur, ammonium nitrate, and petroleum, alongside increased volumes in wheat and machinery. This growth was primarily driven by a 12.8% surge in bulk and break-bulk (BBB) cargo, where landed volumes led to the increase,” Mwenyo said..
He said while exports handled through the Port of Walvis Bay declined slightly by 5.7%, notable gains were achieved in salt bulk, copper and lead concentrates, charcoal, wooden products, as well as marble and granite.
He added that the port of Walvis Bay also marked the first-time export of key critical minerals such as nickel and zinc concentrates, positioning Namibia as an emerging player in the global mineral supply chain.
“The Port of Lüderitz recorded a 21.7% increase in total cargo volumes, rising from 1.21 million tons to 1.47 million tons year-on-year. This growth was primarily driven by a rise in imports, notably in empty containers, petroleum products, wet fish, and machinery, reflecting increased activity across several sectors. While total exports declined 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,” Mwenyo said.
According to Mwenyo the two ports have achieved a notable achievement, marking the highest container throughput in over a decade, demonstrating a significant surge in cargo volumes and improved operational efficiency.
“This achievement highlights more than just a rise in regional and international trade, it also underscores Namport’s operational agility, strategic foresight in attracting high value cargo volumes, ongoing investments in port infrastructure, and strong collaborations with cargo carriers and cargo owners. These efforts have collectively contributed to the successful diversion of traffic from competing ports in the region to Namibia’s ports,” he added.
Namport said the number of vessel calls declined by 13% year-on-year.
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