WALVIS BAY
- Latitude: -22.94 •
- Longitude: 14.502 •
- West Africa •
- Port in Namibia
Address: 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:
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.
Container Terminal:
- Equipped with gantry cranes and other advanced cargo handling equipment.
- Container handling capacity has been significantly increased following recent expansions.
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.
Fishing Industry Support:
- Dedicated facilities for the fishing industry, including processing plants and cold storage.
Warehousing and Storage:
- Ample warehousing options and extensive open storage areas.
- Reefer points for refrigerated cargo.
Logistics and Distribution:
- Well-developed intermodal facilities that facilitate the transfer of cargo between ship, road, and rail.
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.
Vessels in the port
Flag | Name | Type | Destination | Date/Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
MAXIMUS CASTRO | Fishing | FISHING GROUNDS | 8/25/2024 | |
TERRACE BAY | Fishing | NOUADHIBOU | 8/25/2024 | |
GREATSHIP RAMYA | baycraft | DS12-BLOCK-18 | 8/25/2024 | |
Other | 8/25/2024 | |||
Fishing | 8/25/2024 | |||
DOLPHIN GEO SURVEY | Other | DJENO TERMIMAL | 8/25/2024 | |
HML 1 | Other | 8/25/2024 | ||
SEAGULL 1 | Port | 8/25/2024 | ||
KAPONTE | Tanker | BANJUL GAMBIA | 8/25/2024 | |
Other | 8/25/2024 | |||
ISBJORN | Fishing | FISHING | 8/25/2024 | |
BLUE SEA I | Fishing | WALVIS BAY- | 8/25/2024 | |
Other | 8/25/2024 | |||
SEIRYO MARU NO1 | Fishing | 8/24/2024 | ||
BRAVURA | Fishing | 8/24/2024 | ||
MARIDIVE 233 | Other | POINTE NOIRE | 8/24/2024 | |
OCEAN CREST | Other | 8/24/2024 | ||
Other | 8/24/2024 | |||
ONKOSHI | Pleasure | WALVIS BAY | 8/24/2024 | |
MEDIVA STAR | Fishing | WALVIS BAY | 8/24/2024 | |
KUMWE | Other | MOZAMBIQUE | 8/24/2024 | |
Other | 8/24/2024 | |||
SAO MIGUEL | Fishing | 8/24/2024 | ||
OHAMBA | Fishing | 8/24/2024 | ||
SEARAKER | Sailing | 8/24/2024 |