North Port gets fuel storage boost
Atacama Group (TAG) officially launched its fuel storage facility within the North Port development area in Walvis Bay on 15 June, marking a significant development for Namibia's energy and logistics sectors.
The development positions Namibia as a vital logistics hub, leveraging the strategic advantage of the Port of Walvis Bay to support regional trade and fuel distribution. In doing so, it opens doors for increased investment, industrial growth, job creation and skills development.
Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse said energy security remains a critical pillar of economic development. He said reliable access to fuel is essential for key sectors such as transportation, mining, agriculture, manufacturing and logistics.
"The establishment of this facility will strengthen Namibia's fuel security by increasing national storage capacity and improving our ability to manage supply disruptions," Amutse said.
He added that the project will not only benefit Namibia but also enhance regional fuel security, positioning the country as a strategic logistics hub for Southern Africa. The Port of Walvis Bay's location on the Atlantic coast, combined with expanded storage capacity, will support neighbouring countries during periods of supply uncertainty.
Amutse also said the investment reflects Namibia's commitment to being open for business. He said the foreign investment was a key driver of economic transformation, bringing capital, technology, innovation and skills development.
"This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when investors and government work together with a shared vision," he said, adding that Namibia offers a stable and transparent investment environment.
Amutse said the project aligns with Namibia's Vision 2030 and contributes to industrialisation by strengthening critical infrastructure. He said the development will support downstream energy activities, promote value addition and create opportunities for job creation and sustainable economic growth.
Located within the North Port development area, the facility is expected to boost trade and investment while reinforcing Walvis Bay's status as a world-class maritime and logistics hub.
Increased activity is also likely to drive the expansion of Namibia's rail network, improving transport efficiency and reducing costs across multiple sectors.
TAG chief executive Scott Louis said the project carries significant benefits for Namibia, particularly in terms of employment and long-term infrastructure development.
"It provides jobs for Namibians. It provides security. There is nothing negative at all about our project and our build-out," he said.
Louis said the initial phase of the fuel storage development, with a capacity of 150 million litres, is expected to employ up to 250 Namibians.
"I call them families, because that means employment for the whole household," he added.
He said TAG is planning additional investments, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, for which land has already been earmarked at the port. This development is expected to create between 250 and 300 additional jobs.
Beyond fuel storage, Louis said the company is also looking to collaborate with TransNamib on expanding the country's rail network, linking Walvis Bay to regional markets such as Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
"This will strengthen logistics, increase cargo volumes and further position Walvis Bay as a key gateway to the region," he said.
Erongo Governor Nathalia ǀGoagoses, however, raised concerns about local benefits, particularly employment opportunities. She asked how the reported 250 jobs would be distributed and what skills would be required.
"I want to see how ordinary Namibians will benefit from this resource. What skills are needed, and who are these 250 Namibians?" she asked.
ǀGoagoses said it was important to prepare Namibians to participate meaningfully in the industry, calling for transparency on employment categories and skills development.
