WALVIS BAY

• NAWVB
• Latitude: -22.94
• Longitude: 14.502
• West Africa
• Port in Namibia

Location: Namibia

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Walvis Bay, Namibia

General Overview:

Walvis Bay is Namibia's largest commercial port and one of the most important maritime gateways on the southwest coast of Africa. The port serves as a crucial transit point for goods entering and leaving southern Africa, including landlocked countries like Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Location:

• Coordinates: Latitude: -22.9576, Longitude: 14.5051
• Country: Namibia
• Coast: Atlantic Ocean
• Region: Erongo Region

Infrastructure and Facilities:

1. Berths and Quays:

   • The port has multiple deep-water berths capable of handling a variety of vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, and fishing vessels.
   • Specialized berths for oil and petroleum products are also available.

2. Container Terminal:

   • Equipped with gantry cranes and other advanced cargo handling equipment.
   • Container handling capacity has been significantly increased following recent expansions.

3. Bulk and Break-Bulk Facilities:

   • Facilities for handling bulk commodities like ore, coal, and agricultural products.
   • Break-bulk cargo can be accommodated with adequate storage and handling equipment.

4. Fishing Industry Support:

   • Dedicated facilities for the fishing industry, including processing plants and cold storage.

5. Warehousing and Storage:

   • Ample warehousing options and extensive open storage areas.
   • Reefer points for refrigerated cargo.

6. Logistics and Distribution:

   • Well-developed intermodal facilities that facilitate the transfer of cargo between ship, road, and rail.

7. Support Services:

   • Ship repair and maintenance services.
   • Marine supplies and bunkering (fueling) services are readily available.
   • Customs services and regulatory support.

Navigational and Operational Aspects:

• Depth: The port can handle vessels with a draft of up to 12.8 meters, though channels and berths undergo regular dredging to maintain depth.
• Anchorage: Safe anchorage areas are located outside the port.
• Tidal Information: Tidal range is modest, typically around 1.8 meters.
• Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage service.
• Towage: Tug services available for maneuvering large vessels.

Connectivity:

• Road Connectivity: Well-connected by major highways to the rest of Namibia and neighboring countries.
• Rail Connectivity: Railway lines link the port with key industrial and mining regions inland.
• Airport Proximity: The nearest major airport is Walvis Bay Airport (WVB), providing air connectivity for cargo and passengers.

Future Developments:

• Ongoing investments in infrastructure to increase capacity and efficiency.
• Planned expansions to improve container terminal facilities and other port services.

Port Authority:

• Operator: Namport (Namibian Ports Authority) oversees the management and operation of Walvis Bay Port.

Strategic Importance:

• Acts as a hub for trade within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
• Essential for Namibia’s import/export activities and economic development.
• Strategic position on international shipping routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Environmental and Safety Measures:

• Compliance with international marine safety and environmental standards.
• Waste disposal and pollution control mechanisms in place.

Contact Information:

• Website: Namport
• Customer Service: Available through the Namport website or local offices for specific inquiries.

Conclusion:

Walvis Bay is a vital maritime port with comprehensive facilities that support a wide range of commercial activities. Its strategic location, coupled with ongoing infrastructure developments, positions it as a key node in global and regional trade networks.