Container Handling

The existing container terminal in the Port of Walvis Bay (berths 1, 2 and 3) has an approximate throughput capacity of between 350,000 and 400,000 TEUs per annum.

Berth 3 at the container terminal is used for exporting bulk salt, as salt vessels need the deeper draft (-14.0 metres at berths 1 to 3 versus -10.6 metres at berths 4 to 8).

The existing container berths consist of a 500-metre-long deck-on-piles type quay wall structure that is designed for a maximum water depth of -14.0 metres chart datum.

Break-bulk

Berths 4 to 8 are used as multi-purpose berths, but most of the cargo consists of bulk and break-bulk.

Liquid bulk (excluding bunkering)

With the exception of sulphuric acid, which is imported at berth 6, all liquid bulk cargo is handled at the existing Tanker Berth in the Port of Walvis Bay.

This facility has reached the end of its useful life, as it is now more than 50 years old.

In 2013, Namport conducted structural modifications and upgrades to the berth, ensuring that it can be used for importing Namibia’s fuel for a further 5 years. However, after such time it will have to be decommissioned as a fuel handling facility.

To secure Namibia’s fuel supply, the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy has funded Phase 1 of the North Port of Walvis Bay. Details of this development project are provided in the Mega project section.

Equipment

Mobile cranes, Reach stackers, Haulers & trailers

Rubber Tire Gantries (RTG), man-lifts
Wharf cranes (rail-bound quay crane), forklifts,

Stevedoring Services

Stevedoring are labour-intensive and labour is divided between the private stevedoring companies at the Port of Walvis Bay and thus ensures the fast, smooth turnaround vessels with minimum delays. Stevedoring offers services such as the handling of general cargo, transit cargo and project cargo; the handling of containers; the packing of containers; the handling of bulk commodities; the loading/discharging/transshipping of frozen fish and perishable cargo; the handling of provisions and stores.

Technical Services
Workshops are available for mechanical, electrical, navigational equipment repairs.

Cargo Handling Hours
Working hours Mondays to Fridays 07h00–12h00 and 13h00–17h00
Sundays and public holidays 08h00–12h00 and 13h00–17h00.
Overtime is available on request.