The Namibian Ports Authority (NamPort) has warned that the country’s ports may face capacity challenges in gearing up for the developmental phase of the oil and gas sector.
NamPort CEO Andrew Kanime said that a medium-sized offshore corporation requires 5 to 10 hectares of land, with requirements potentially scaling up to 100 to 200 hectares depending on industry development.
He noted that to support offshore operations, the ports must have sufficient capacity for the transfer of personnel, equipment, and supplies both onshore and offshore.
“Infrastructure requirements are significant, such as land space, key site capacity, water depth, and specialised handling equipment, as well as the need for onshore supply bases to facilitate the seamless transfer of materials and personnel,” Kanime said.
The NamPort boss noted that the company has allocated 8 hectares of land for an oil and gas supply base at the Port of Walvis Bay, with 5 hectares already allocated. The supply base is strategically located to ensure efficient operations.
At the Port of Lüderitz, NamPort is currently focusing on serving as a supply base for TotalEnergies. Approximately 3 hectares of land are earmarked for oil and gas activities, with 1 hectare already allocated and 2 hectares available.
Kanime emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration to develop the necessary infrastructure. He said that NamPort is committed to developing infrastructure that aligns with the industry’s requirements.
“Key financing and sourcing strategies include blended financing for the Lüderitz Port expansion, PPP for Angra Point, PPP for the Walvis Bay North Port One-Stop-Shop Supply Base, PPP for Liquid Mud Plants, and PPP for the Graving Dock at the Port of Walvis Bay North Port,” he said.
Kanime acknowledged the critical role of the ports in catalysing the oil and gas sector. However, he emphasised that the success of the sector hinges on collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to realise the vision of a robust logistics and energy hub.
