Port users look forward to completion of container terminal on reclaimed land

Walvis Bay Corridor Group

With construction on the expansion works of the new container terminal more than 85% complete, Walvis Bay and its port users are gearing up and looking forward its completion. According to Namport, the new facility will be commissioned in the latter half of 2019.

Chairperson of the Port Users Association (WBPUA), Pillar Veiga, says that the industry is eagerly awaiting the new upgraded facility. “There is much to do and adjustments to be made to accommodate the new infra-structure. We look forward to the new digitalised systems and equipment which will raise the competitiveness of our port and route.”
The shipping industry is readying themselves as well. Willie Prosser, Chairman of the Container Liners Operators Forum (CLOF) says the capacity increase will allow for increased productivity and efficiency, making Walvis Bay a more attractive trans-shipment hub and gateway into the region. In 2018, cargo volumes at Walvis Bay increased by 15%, a positive indication of increased cargo flow through the port. On completion, the Port of Walvis Bay’s new modern container terminal is expected to increase the container handling capacity from the current 355,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to up to 1,005,000 TEUs.