The Namibian Ports Authority has announced the acquisition of cargo handling equipment worth N$17 million, as part of efforts to increase operational efficiency at its ports.
Acquired are reach stackers and forklifts from Liebherr-Africa and Forklifts and Allied Equipment cc respectively.
“The reach stackers came at a price tag of almost fifteen million Namibian dollars (N$14,785,330.00), increasing the reach stackers fleet at the Port of Walvis Bay to 10. The four forklifts cost the Ports Authority N$ 2 million (one for the Port of Luderitz and three for the Port of Walvis Bay). This latest acquisition and addition of equipment to our fleet is a tangible reaffirmation of our seriousness and resolve to address the challenge of old equipment and disruption of operations,” Namport Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Kanime said.
“The Namibian Ports Authority remains dedicated to its plans of revamping its equipment and is committed to enhancing its customers’ experiences at both its ports through efficient and highly productive service offerings.”
The development comes as Namport has set in motion its strategic plan to achieve its vision and drive to become the best performing seaports in Africa.
“As it is Namport’s core business to handle cargo, the acquisition of these cargo handling equipment was a critical step on the company’s roadmap towards effective and efficient service delivery to its valued customers,” Elias Mwenyo, Namport’s Executive: Commercial Services said.
As at 31 January 2022 the total Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit’s (TEU) handled by Namport increased by 4,879TEUs or 4%, while bulk and break-bulk volumes have increased by 173,587 tonnes, equating to a 5% increase.