Namport recently finalized the transfer of container handling operations at the new container terminal in the Walvis Bay harbour to Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN). The terminal, which boasts an annual throughput capacity of 750,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), is now managed under a 25-year concession agreement.
Observer Money sat down with Namport to discuss the implications of this deal with TiN and the competitive pressures posed by emerging railway and port projects across the SADC region.
Observer Money (OM): We have seen new railway and port projects in SADC-Malawi-Mozambique, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, DRC, Angola-Zambia and Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and Zambia, Tanzania (Tazara) how do these projects affect Walvis Bay as a SADC getaway?
Namport: The recent developments in railway and port infrastructure across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, particularly in countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, have significant implications for Walvis Bay’s role as a key gateway for trade and logistics within SADC. However, Walvis Bay is strategically positioned along the Atlantic coast and serves as a critical entry point for goods destined for southern Africa. The development of competing ports in the region may initially seem like a threat; however, it also presents an opportunity for Walvis Bay to strengthen its competitive advantage through improved services and infrastructure investments such as the widening and deepening of the Entrance Channel, procurement of modern cargo handling equipment and upgrades to quayside infrastructure for enhanced operational efficiency—such as reducing turnaround times for vessels—Walvis Bay can attract more shipping lines that seek reliable access to southern African markets.
While new railway lines facilitate smoother transit between neighboring countries, Walvis Bay stands to benefit from increased regional trade volumes too. The port will serve as a transshipment hub where goods are consolidated before being distributed inland or exported globally. This role will not only boost port revenues but also enhances Namibia’s position in regional supply chains, and therefore, collaboration among SADC member states will be essential in maximizing the benefits of these new projects. Initiatives that promote joint ventures or partnerships between ports—including those in Mozambique and Walvis Bay—can lead to shared best practices in logistics management and operational efficiencies.
OM: Where else does Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), operate ports in the world and how will this experience help Namport?
Namport: Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) is a prominent global port terminal operator, part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) group. TiL operates in various strategic locations around the world, managing container terminals that facilitate international trade and logistics. As of 2024, TiL has a presence in several key regions including: Europe; Asia; North America; Africa [i.e. Lomé – Togo Lomé Container Terminal (LCT) and Namibia [Terminal Investment Namibia [TiN] etc.
The extensive experience that Terminal Investment Limited brings from its global operations will significantly benefit Namport in several ways such as enhanced operational efficiencies – this includes optimizing cargo handling processes, reducing turnaround times for vessels, and improving overall terminal productivity; Technological Advancements – access to advanced technologies used at TiL’s other terminals worldwide, Namport will see the implementation of state-of-the-art systems for tracking shipments, automate processes, and enhance safety protocols for improved service delivery and customer satisfaction; training and development – more and more Namibians will be exposed to experienced professionals who have managed diverse operational challenges across different geographical contexts; market Insight; sustainability practices and most importantly, strategic partnerships – leveraging connections within the shipping industry through MSC and other partners, TiL can help Namport forge strategic alliances that enhance the Port of Walvis Bay’s competitiveness on a global scale.
OM: How will Terminal Investment Namibia operate and is Namport a shareholder?
Namport: Terminal Investment Namibia is a Namibian registered subsidiary of Terminal Investment Limited, which is wholly owned by Terminal Investment Limited – sole shareholder (Namport is not a shareholder). TIN will operate and manage the container terminal for 25 years in line with the provisions of the concession agreement.
OM: What kind of expansion plans can be expected after 25 years of Terminal Investment Namibia operations?
Namport: TIN’s expansion plans started with the deepening and widening of the Port of Walvis bay South Port Entrance Channel, which will enable larger container vessels to call the container terminal. TIN will also procure additional container handling equipment and make infrastructure improvements on the terminal itself very soon. Longer term expansion plans are aimed at enlarging the container terminal to increase throughput capacity even further.
OM: When will the dredging activities aimed at widening and deepening the entrance channel to -16 metres Chart Datum (CD) to accommodate larger vessels be concluded?
Namport: Capital dredging for the widening and deepening of the Port of Walvis bay South Port Entrance Channel to accommodate larger container vessels will be concluded by middle of 2025.
