6 Jun 2025
Growth driven by mining exports, high-value imports, and strong container performance at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports
The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) recorded a 4.8% increase in cargo throughput for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, moving a total of 8.42 million tonnes through the Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, up from 8.03 million tonnes the previous year.
Namport commercial executive Elias Mwenyo said in a statement Tuesday that the increase reflects robust performance across cargo segments.
“The growth demonstrates the sustained strength of Namport’s operations across bulk, break-bulk, containerised, and liquid cargo segments and is attributed to continued cargo diversification, targeted infrastructure enhancements, and strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders,” he said.
The mining sector remained a major contributor, with increased exports of copper concentrate, zinc concentrate, and uranium oxide concentrate through both ports.
Imports rose 7.1%, driven by higher volumes of fertilizer, sulphur, ammonium nitrate, petroleum, wheat, and machinery. Mwenyo noted a 12.8% surge in bulk and break-bulk cargo, particularly landed volumes.
Despite a 5.7% decline in exports through the Port of Walvis Bay, gains were recorded in salt bulk, copper and lead concentrates, charcoal, wooden products, marble, and granite. Walvis Bay also began exporting nickel and zinc concentrates for the first time, positioning Namibia as an emerging supplier of critical minerals.
The Port of Lüderitz saw cargo volumes rise by 21.7%, from 1.21 million tonnes to 1.47 million tonnes. The increase was largely due to higher import volumes, including empty containers, petroleum products, wet fish, and machinery. Exports from Lüderitz declined 5.4%, but steady volumes of zinc ore, frozen fish, and ice for the fishing industry supported overall activity.
Combined container throughput at the two ports reached 253,996 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the highest in more than a decade and a 33% year-on-year increase, equivalent to 82,845 TEUs.
Mwenyo said the performance reflects Namport’s success in attracting high-value cargo and continued investment in port infrastructure, supported by strong collaboration with cargo carriers and owners.
“Despite a 13% year-on-year decline in the total number of vessel calls, this was offset by an increase in vessel gross tonnage, reflecting a shift toward larger, higher-capacity vessels, particularly at the Port of Walvis Bay,” he said.
Namport’s Syncrolift repair facilities posted mixed results. Repair jetty occupancy dropped from 96% to 75%, while repair bay occupancy remained steady at 47%.
Cruise tourism also rebounded, with more international vessel calls, including the MSC Musica, boosting the ports’ contribution to Namibia’s tourism sector.
“Namport attributes this positive performance to the collaborative efforts of its stakeholders, including the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, shipping lines, government agencies, cargo owners, and port users. The dedication of Namport’s workforce and customer trust remain central to achieving its mandate,” Mwenyo said.
He added that Namport remains committed to becoming Africa’s best-performing port and driving regional trade and economic integration.