The Namibian Ports Authority (NAMPORT) has set a new record by handling 8 million tonnes of cargo in the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024, marking a 4% increase from the previous year’s 7.7 million tonnes.
NAMPORT Executive for Commercial Services Elias Mwenyo said major exports contributing to this achievement include salt, copper concentrate, bagged salt, frozen fish, manganese ore, and zinc/lead concentrate.
“Specifically, bulk salt saw a growth of 10%, copper concentrate increased by 12%, salt bagged witnessed a 1% rise, frozen fish surged by 29%, manganese ore increased to 15.7%, zinc/lead concentrates grew by 2.9% and marble increased by 41%,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the 2023-2024 financial year, there were significant increases in the importation of various commodities.
He noted that petroleum surged, representing a substantial 26% increase during the period under review.
Other imported commodities also experienced noteworthy growth, including copper concentrate, ammonium nitrate, wheat, ship spares, and steel.
Additionally, the Authority recorded a commendable 7.9% increase in the importation of goods in comparison to the previous financial year.
During the financial period, NAMPORT noted that the number of vessels calling the Namibian ports surged by 29% year on year, escalating from 1,636 to 2,115 calls.
“This was primarily driven by increased activity across various vessel categories, including foreign tugs, dry bulk vessels, containerized vessels, foreign fishing vessels, petroleum vessels, Namibian fishing vessels, research, and general vessels,” Mwenyo said.
The financial year under review also saw an increased occupancy rate of Syncrolift facilities.
Furthermore, NAMPORT said the repair jetties’ occupancy rose from 64% to 96%, while bay occupancy lagged at 47% compared to 52% in the previous financial year.
“The success of NAMPORT’s operations can be attributed to building and maintaining solid relationships with key stakeholders such as the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, shipping lines, cargo owners, government agencies, and the larger port Community,” Mwenyo said.
