SWAKOPMUND – The Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) recorded an increased volume in non-containerised cargo of 7 691 781 tonnes in the 2022-2023 financial year – from 6 576 370 tonnes recorded in 2021-2022.
Namport CEO Andrew Kanime during a recent annual port users’ dinner expressed that the increase was complemented by increased export and import container volumes, as well as heightened activities in the petroleum products sector.
“We successfully expanded our footprint into hinterland markets, as we started handling increased volumes from Botswana and Zambia. In addition, the favourable market conditions and prices for various minerals and commodities, including coal, fish, meat, poultry, marble, equipment and machinery, contributed significantly to ramping up of production by producers – and ultimately, to the overall performance of our ports,” he noted.
The CEO added that the increased volumes were further supported by the stabilising vessel calls and container availability, which generally allowed for the improved evacuation of goods to destination markets.
He further noted that the positive momentum that Namport achieved throughout the year reflects its commitment to navigating complex and challenging global dynamics, adding that the importance of maritime logistics in global trade and development became even more evident, given the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict.
“Our strategic expansion into new regional hinterland markets yielded positive results, while increased demand for raw materials and finished goods, following two years of pandemic-induced economic turbulence, created new avenues for growth.”
Kanime, however, expressed that while the port posted a positive operational performance, ship repair operations at Namport’s subsidiary Namdock continued to operate in a challenging environment – and while revenue has increased markedly, operating profit reduced significantly on the back of increased operational costs.
“Throughout the year, we have nonetheless continued investing in our terminals, cargo-handling equipment, people and supporting systems to improve our positioning among the top African ports in support of our vision to be the best-performing seaports in Africa,” he said. – Nampa