The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has reported an 87% increase in passenger vessel calls for the 2022/2023 financial year compared to the previous year.
The significant rise is attributed to the maritime industry’s positive strides towards recovery from the pandemic that had a negative impact on holidaymakers’ travelling due to worldwide restrictions from 2019 to 2022.
According to Taná Pesat, the Namport Manager of Corporate Communication, the increase in passenger vessels is an encouraging sign of the industry’s steady recovery.
“To add to the number of vessel calls, the Ports Authority yesterday, 16 April 2023, welcomed the Silver Shadow Nassau Passenger vessel on its maiden voyage at the Port of Walvis Bay. The recently renovated vessel that entered service in the year 2000, operated by Silversea Cruises has a carrying capacity of 382 passengers, and 295 crew members,” she said.
The Silver Shadow Nassau Passenger vessel’s arrival at the Port of Walvis Bay on Sunday marked a significant milestone for the Namport and a plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard the vessel between Namport’s Port Captain, Lukas Kufuna and the ship’s Captain Michele Macarone Palmieri to commemorate the maiden call.
“The construction of the Passenger berth at the Port of Walvis Bay is a welcomed addition to the already exceptional existing infrastructure of the Ports Authority and further added in particular, Walvis Bay remains a preferred tourist destination due to its beautiful landscapes,” said Captain Palmieri, who had previously visited the Port of Walvis Bay on another vessel.
Over 300 passengers disembarked from the Silver Shadow Nassau Passenger vessel to participate in day tours that included shopping, quad biking activities in the dunes, drives to Sandwich Harbor, and local excursions, among other activities. The vessel’s next port of call will be Angola.
