Namibian ports doing good business

Staff Reporter - Namibia’s ports have experienced a significant increase in both container exports and imports of various commodities. One of the most impressive commodities is charcoal, which has shown a 39% increase in volume due to high demand in European markets. Copper exports have also experienced a 16% increase due to the benefits of containerisation, such as improved security, reduced cargo damage and faster turnaround times.Other commodities that have seen growth in export volumes include frozen fish, frozen meat, bagged salt, wooden products and steel, which have seen an impressive 178% increase due to high demand in key markets.On the other hand, malt imports have grown by 52%, driven by the strong performance of Namibian beer products in emerging markets such as South Africa and Tanzania. The importation of machinery also increased by 52%, due to new mining developments in neighbouring countries such as Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Botswana.Despite some declines, such as a 36% decrease in vehicle imports due to a shift in shipping routes, Namibia’s ports have experienced an overall positive growth in imports and exports.The rise of 8% in household and personal effects imports was mainly attributed to the return of regional residents to their home countries, primarily from Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, dangerous cargo imports for the military army of Botswana also contributed to the overall growth of the Port of Walvis Bay.Moreover, there is good news for growth in the final quarter of the financial year, thanks to the growing demand for exports, primarily to Zambia and Botswana. Walvis BayThe Port of Walvis Bay has experienced a remarkable surge in volume in ammonium nitrate importation, as well as a 23% growth in sulphur importation, thanks to its efficient transportation route to Zambia and the DRC.Overall, the positive growth of the Port of Walvis Bay in commodities and exports is a good sign for the Namibian economy and the region as a whole. The increased demand for exports to neighbouring countries is expected to continue, leading to a further increase in the growth of Namibia’s ports.At the end of last year, the CEO of Namport, Andrew Kanime, highlighted that Namport welcomed vast new business from both new customers and old customers in 2022. "We started handling new commodities from new markets that we did not handle before. We remain very much aware that there is a ceiling to our pricing, both in terms of ensuring that we don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg, being yourselves our valued customers, and to ensure that we remain competitive in comparison to other alternative logistics channels."Vessel callsHe also reported that vessel calls at the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz increased by 289 vessels, or 22% year on year (y/y). In addition, the overall vessel gross tonnage also increased by 3.4 million tonnes or 21.6%. Container volumes increased by 12 298 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit), or 8% on y/y. This increase was mainly attributable to the increased import and export containers of 15% and 3% respectively. Bulk and breakbulk volumes increased by 360 189 tonnes or 9% y/y, on the back of increased exports of various mining commodities.Kanime stated that Namport&#039;s cost containment drive has been very effective."The Ports Authority has managed to in most cases cushion customers against some steep increases in inputs, such as fuel and the unfavourable exchange rate for the imported equipment and spares." - Namport Quayside Bulletin

Namibian ports doing good business

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