Africa-Press – Namibia. The Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) has acquired three mobile cranes to replace its ageing fleet.
Two of the cranes will be deployed at the port of Walvis Bay, while the third has already been allocated to Lüderitz.
The cranes, manufactured by Liebherr, include the LHM 550 with a lifting capacity of 154 tonnes and the LHM 280 with a capacity of 84 tonnes. They are equipped with semi-automated operations, intelligent load management, and real-time diagnostics.
Namport chief executive officer Andrew Kanime, speaking at the launch of the new cranes yesterday, said the investment will ease service disruptions caused by constant breakdowns of old equipment.
“Our old cranes were often unreliable and caused delays that frustrated port users. With these new cranes, we are taking a big step towards modernising our fleet and improving service to our customers,” Kanime said.
According to the CEO, the new additions will increase Namport’s capacity, boost efficiency, and reduce downtime. They will also enable the handling of all types of cargo with greater speed and safety.
He added that Namport’s continued investments in new equipment, along with the recent dredging at Walvis Bay, are part of a broader strategy to position Namibia’s ports as reliable gateways for regional trade.
“Namport is not just about moving cargo. Our ports are catalysts for socio-economic development. These investments ensure we remain an enabler of trade and growth across Namibia and SADC,” he said.
Kanime highlighted the importance of strengthening the broader logistics chain, noting that about a third of all cargo handled through Namibia’s ports is cross-border cargo, either destined for or originating from landlocked neighbours.
He said 95% of this cross-border cargo is transported by road through Namibia’s corridors, with only about 5% moved by rail.
“Therefore, enhancing performance through investments in cranage is imperative in supporting Namibia’s standing as a reliable regional gateway. Returns on these investments will not be fully realised without the complementary development and growth of landside facilities such as our rail, roads, integrated border management, harmonised regulations, and appropriate technology to support and facilitate trade,” Kanime said.
He added that Namport, as an organisation, is cognisant of this reality and will continue to advocate for and engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure overall goal alignment.
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