The Walvis Bay Corridors record increase in cross border cargo volumes

The cargo volumes along the Walvis Bay Corridors have steadily increased in 2018. As at October 2018, 590 000 tonnes of cargo destined for our neighbouring countries was recorded. This equates to an increase of 19.8% for cross border cargo moving through the Port of Walvis Bay. It is expected that the final volumes along the corridors should close the year off at an estimated 36% higher than 2017. The growth in cargo volumes was driven by the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC), specifically destined for the Zambian and DRC markets which achieved an impressive 46,000 tonnes average per month.  

Volumes destined for the Zimbabwe market has similarly grown by 48% with mainly break-bulk being transported through the Port of Walvis Bay.  Although markets such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and the DRC have experienced stronger growth than other markets, the Angolan market has seen a slower growth. Interest in the Angolan market is however slowly on the upturn.

“Our increase in volumes, once again, reaffirms that the Walvis Bay Corridors is becoming the preferred trade route, when it comes to importing and exporting through the port of Walvis Bay, to and from Southern Africa,” said WBCG Acting CEO, Clive Smith. “The record increase in these volumes is testimony to the success of our efforts to increase accessibility to our markets via the Walvis Bay Corridors.”

The Walvis Bay Corridors is surely growing as an alternative trade route for international markets to and from Southern Africa with various commodities moved via the port of Walvis Bay, such as copper, vehicles, frozen products, machinery & equipment and consumables, amongst others. This growth is testament to the competitive offering via Walvis Bay pertaining to reduced time, high reliability and security as well as efficiencies achieved along our Corridors.

In a recent transporter survey on the Ports servicing the region conducted by a South African based publication, FTW,  The Port of Walvis Bay rated 3^rd with the Port of Durban for the preferred Port to use for moving cargo into and out of the region.

The study has affirmed the Walvis Bay Corridors as a prominent alternative for importers and exporters in the region and clearly implies a more efficient and effective service position using Walvis Bay, which offers a tremendous reduction in transit times.