Namport cargo volumes up to 8.42m tonnes …ports achieve highest container throughput in over a decade – New Era

Cargo handled by the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) at the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz increased by almost 5% to over 8 million tonnes for the financial year ended 31 March 2025. 

This throughput of 8.42 million tonnes is up from 8.03 million tonnes handled during the previous financial year. 

In a media statement issued yesterday, Namport’s commercial services executive Elias Mwenyo noted that the growth experienced underscores the sustained strength of Namport’s operations across bulk, break-bulk, containerised and liquid cargo segments. 

This strength has been bolstered by continued cargo diversification, targeted infrastructure enhancements and strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders. 

“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 fertiliser, 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 stated in a press release. 

He added that although 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. 

“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,” he added. 

Namport’s latest figures indicate that the Port of Lüderitz recorded a 21.7% increase in total cargo volumes, up from 1.21 million tonnes to 1.47 million tonnes year-on-year. 

Mwenyo noted 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 added. 

The commercial executive continued that the two ports achieved a notable achievement, marking the highest container throughput in over a decade.

This demonstrates a significant surge in cargo volumes and improved operational efficiency. 

During the period under review, a total of 253 996 TEUs were handled by the Namibian Ports, representing a substantial 33% year-on-year increase, equivalent to 82 845 TEUs. 

“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 stated. 

While the total number of vessel calls declined by 13% year-on-year, this was offset by an increase in vessel gross tonnage, reflecting a shift toward larger, higher-capacity vessels particularly at the Port of Walvis Bay. 

Moreover, Namport’s Syncrolift repair facilities recorded mixed performance during the year under review. 

Occupancy at the repair jetties decreased from 96% to 75%. 

However, repair bay occupancy remained relatively stable at 47% year-on-year. 

Cruise tourism also rebounded at both ports, with increased international vessel calls, including the prestigious MSC Musica, enhancing the ports’ roles in supporting Namibia’s growing tourism economy. 

Namport has attributed its positive performance to the collaborative efforts of its stakeholders, including the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, shipping lines, government agencies, cargo owners and port users. 

“As the Authority continues to invest in soft and hard port infrastructure, Namport remains firmly committed to its strategic vision of becoming Africa’s best-performing port and accelerating regional trade and economic integration,” Mwenyo noted. 

NamPort continues to serve as a cornerstone of domestic socio-economic development by delivering world-class port services that support both local and regional economies. 

“The Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are more than just transit points. They are strategic national assets that enable vital trade flows across all sectors, providing essential gateways for importing critical inputs such as sulphur, fertiliser and machinery, which fuel domestic and regional industries. 

“At the same time, they connect regional markets to the world by facilitating the export of high-demand raw bulk commodities like salt, beef and copper. In this way, Namibia’s ports not only power trade but also drive growth, investment and development across Southern Africa,”he stated. 

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