Niël Terblanché
Namibia’s journey to solidify its position as a key logistics hub in Southern Africa took a major leap forward with the official handover of the container handling operations at the new container terminal in the Walvis Bay harbour to Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN).
This strategic partnership between the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and TiN, set to commence on 10 October, will enhance Namibia’s maritime competitiveness while strengthening its role in regional and international shipping.
TiN is a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Terminal Investment Limited (TiL).
According to a joint statement issued by Namport and TiN on Wednesday, the concession of the port’s new container terminal, which was commissioned in 2019 under the leadership of the late President Hage Geingob, comes after an extensive market bidding exercise where TiL emerged as the preferred operator.
This move was driven by Namport’s goal of attracting private capital to upgrade infrastructure, including widening and deepening the port’s channel, acquiring modern equipment, and optimizing operational efficiency.
The terminal, with an annual throughput capacity of 750 000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), is expected to undergo immediate improvements.
Dredging activities to widen and deepen the entrance channel to -16 meters Chart Datum (below water level) will accommodate larger vessels, expanding the port’s capacity and shipping connectivity.
According to the statement, the partnership aims to boost vessel traffic, increase cargo volumes, and create numerous employment opportunities for Namibians.
Under the 25-year concession agreement, TiN will manage and operate the terminal with a focus on operational efficiencies and revenue growth.
The collaboration is vital to advancing service delivery at the port of Walvis Bay which become a key gateway for trade in Southern Africa.
Namport anticipates that this partnership will enhance the country’s competitive standing among regional ports and support Namibia’s vision of becoming a logistics hub for Southern Africa.
For Namibia, the agreement with TiN offers more than just infrastructure improvements.
TiN, backed by its parent company Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the largest shipping lines in the world, brings with it a wealth of expertise in logistics and port operations.
The statement indicates ty leveraging the global network of MSC and TiL as the new terminal operator aims to introduce advanced operational standards and innovative practices that will position Namibia as a premier player in the maritime industry.
TiN’s commitment to expanding the terminal’s facilities includes plans to enhance storage capacity and streamline cargo handling processes.
These operational upgrades, combined with innovative port practices, are expected to facilitate long-term growth and adaptability for the Port of Walvis Bay.
This will ultimately benefit both local and international shipping communities, further entrenching Namibia’s role in regional trade routes.
In future, Namport and TiN plan to host a formal ceremony to provide further details on the benefits of the concession.
According to the statement, the new agreement is an essential milestone in Namibia’s ambition to drive economic growth through improved port infrastructure, operational efficiency, and global connectivity.
According to the statement, the handover of operations at the terminal introduces a new era for Namibia’s logistics sector, with the potential to unlock greater opportunities for trade and employment across the region.
The collaboration will enable Namport to reinforce its logistical infrastructure while also setting the stage for sustainable development that will resonate beyond its borders and strengthen the port authority’s ties with international shipping communities.
