Namport’s New Container Terminal turns one

Last year this time, the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) made history in southern Africa when it became the first port to successfully and safely reclaim land from the ocean.

On 02 August 2019, Namibia witnessed the inauguration of the New Container Terminal (NCT) by H.E. Dr Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia. On 24 August 2019, the New Container Terminal was commissioned and officially started with operations.

While the Covid-19 regulations put a damper on its one-year anniversary celebrations, Namport has certainly had an extraordinary year, which further gives the port a reason to celebrate.

Over the past twelve months Namport has achieved the following milestones:

• The NCT provides direct employment to a total number of 281 employees and if one considers an average family size of 5 people, indirectly supports the livelihood of 1405 Namibian.
• 33 Operators successfully completed intense training to operate the STS cranes deployed at the NCT.
• 115 146 (TEU’s) were handled in just eight months of operations
• Five maiden calls from vessels, which previously bypassed the Port if Walvis Bay were recorded.
• The port achieved a record-breaking 46 berth moves per hour on a vessel during March 2020.
• The new passenger jetty has welcomed 10 passenger liners, translating into more than 5000 international tourists visiting the Port City of Walvis Bay.

Speaking on the eve of the anniversary, the Operations Executive Mr Raymond Visagie, who was the Acting CEO at the time of the one-year anniversary, attributed these achievements and successes to the unwavering spirit of dedication and teamwork of men and women of Namport. “I wish us all a Happy 1^st Anniversary of operations at the NCT and as we celebrate this great milestone, let us take good care of ourselves and our families”.

Source: Namport’s Quayside Bulletin