Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) achieved a record-breaking amount of cargo handling, reaching 8 million tonnes during the financial year ending on 31 March 2024, compared to 7.7 million tonnes in the previous financial year, marking a notable 4% increase.
The major contributor to this achievement is the exportation of goods, including salt, copper concentrate, bagged salt, frozen fish, manganese ore, and zinc/lead concentrate. Specifically, bulk salt saw a growth of 10%, copper concentrate increased by 12%, salt bagged witnessed a 1% rise, frozen fish surged by 29%, manganese ore increased by 15.7%, zinc/lead concentrates grew by 2.9%, and marble increased by 41%.
During the financial year 2023/2024, there were significant increases in the importation of various commodities. Notably, petroleum surged, representing a substantial 26% increase. Other imported commodities also experienced noteworthy growth, including copper concentrate, ammonium nitrate, wheat, ships spares, and steel. Additionally, the Authority recorded a commendable 7.9% increase in the importation of goods compared to the previous financial year.
The number of vessels calling at Namibian ports surged by 29% year on year, escalating from 1,636 to 2,115 calls during the financial period ended. This increase was primarily driven by heightened activity across various vessel categories, including foreign tugs, dry bulk vessels, containerized vessels, foreign fishing vessels, petroleum vessels, Namibian fishing vessels, research, and general vessels.
The financial year under review also recorded an increased occupancy rate of Syncrolift facilities. The repair jetties’ occupancy rose from 64% to 96%, while bay occupancy lagged at 47% compared to 52% in the previous financial year.
The success of Namport’s operations can be attributed to building and maintaining solid relationships with key stakeholders such as the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, shipping lines, cargo owners, government agencies, and the larger port community.
Namport added that the dedication of its workforce and the confidence customers place in utilizing the amenities and services provided by the Ports Authority contributed to its success.
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