TransNamib expects its strategic partnership with global shipping line Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to significantly increase the volume of containerised cargo transported by rail between the Port of Walvis Bay and Windhoek.
The partnership was recently marked by a soft launch at TransNamib’s WINCON Depot in Windhoek, with the initial focus on strengthening container cargo movements along the Walvis Bay-Windhoek corridor.
TransNamib estimates that containerised cargo volumes could initially reach about 10 000 tonnes per month, with the potential to increase to approximately 30 000 tonnes per month by 2028 as the partnership develops.
MSC, a global shipping company and TransNamib client, has signed on as a strategic customer of the national railway operator, creating an opportunity for both companies to expand the use of rail for containerised freight.
The partnership is expected to support higher rail volumes, improve connectivity between the Port of Walvis Bay and inland markets, and provide an alternative to road transportation.
A key component of the logistics network is the Windhoek Container Terminal (WINCON), which facilitates the handling and transfer of containerised cargo between rail and road. Containers transported along the Walvis Bay-Windhoek corridor carry a wide range of general and commercial cargo, including imported and exported goods, consumer products, industrial goods, mining machinery and other commodities. The specific cargo depends on customer requirements and market demand.
TransNamib said the collaboration forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen Namibia’s intermodal freight network and provide more efficient rail-based transport solutions.
The company is also assessing opportunities to increase cargo volumes and explore additional routes in the future, particularly as Namibia’s logistics infrastructure continues to develop.
The recent expansion of the Namport Container Terminal is expected to create further opportunities for containerised cargo growth through the port and the national rail network.
Kendall Swartz, TransNamib Executive for Commercial and Marketing, said the partnership with MSC represents an important step in strengthening the role of rail in Namibia’s intermodal freight landscape. “By working closely with our clients, we are creating opportunities to grow container volumes on rail, improve connectivity between Windhoek and Walvis Bay, and ultimately provide more efficient rail-based freight solutions to the market,” Swartz said.
TransNamib said it continues to work with container customers and logistics partners to increase rail volumes and encourage a shift of cargo from road to rail. The railway operator acknowledged that its year-to-date cargo volumes have declined, attributing the drop partly to higher fuel prices, which affected demand for fuel, as well as operational disruptions.
Despite the decline, TransNamib said it remains confident of recovering lost volumes during the remainder of the financial year.
The recovery strategy includes improving locomotive availability, increasing operational efficiency and developing new business opportunities aimed at attracting more freight to the rail network.
The company said its relationship with MSC could provide further opportunities to strengthen rail-based logistics and increase containerised cargo volumes.
Further discussions between TransNamib and MSC are expected to focus on increasing cargo volumes, improving connectivity and enhancing the efficiency of freight movements between Walvis Bay and inland destinations.
By Rudi Bowe
