Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Administração dos Portos de Sines e do Algarve, SA (APS), the authority overseeing Portugal’s Port of Sines and the Algarve.
The chief executive officer of NamPort, Andrew Kanime, in a statement on Wednesday, said this new strategic alliance is set to increase knowledge exchange, capacity building, and operational excellence between the two port authorities.
“This partnership leverages the historical and economic ties between Namibia and Portugal to drive connectivity, trade, and investment,” he said.
According to Kanime, the MoU focuses on the development of sustainable, green, and digital logistic corridors, aligning with the European Commission’s Global Gateway initiative.
He added that the initiative aims to mobilise €300 billion in investment for smart, clean, and secure connections across global energy, transport, and digital sectors.
Kanime said that the new partnership between Namport and the Port of Sines is particularly relevant in developing an Atlantic Hub and logistic corridor for handling critical raw materials, synthetic fuels, green hydrogen, and its carriers.
He added that the MoU, valid for five years, will see both parties exploring potential synergies in port development.
“This collaboration marks a pivotal step in enhancing trade and logistics between Namibia and Portugal, reinforcing their positions as strategic hubs for sustainable energy and global trade,” he said.
Expressing gratitude, Kanime acknowledged the efforts of key figures in realising this partnership.
“A special thanks to Ambassador Rui Carmo, APS CEO José Luís Cacho, and all esteemed stakeholders for making this collaboration possible,” he said.
According to Kanime, the agreement will usher in a new era of maritime cooperation which would pave the way for mutual growth, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
The port of Sines, due to its natural characteristics and strategic location, is positioned as a key European logistics hub under this initiative.
As an open deep-water seaport with excellent maritime access and no restrictions, it leads the Portuguese port sector in cargo volume.
Its modern specialised terminals enable the handling of various types of cargo, solidifying its status as the main port on Portugal’s Atlantic seaboard.
Namibia, endowed with abundant renewable energy resources and critical raw materials, aspires to become a global leader in green hydrogen production.
Kanime said that the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz play a vital role in this vision by facilitating exports and enhancing regional trade flows.
