Namport achieves decade-high container throughput with 33% surge
For the financial year ended 31 March 2025, Namport recorded a total cargo throughput of 8.42 million tonnes across the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, representing a 4.8% increase from the 8.03 million tonnes handled in the previous year.
This growth underscores the sustained strength of its operations across bulk, break-bulk, containerised, and liquid cargo segments, bolstered by continued cargo diversification, targeted infrastructure enhancements, and strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders.
The mining sector remained one of the most significant contributors, with notable increases in the export of copper concentrate, zinc concentrate, and uranium oxide concentrate through both the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Imports rose by 7.1%, led by significant gains in fertiliser, sulphur, ammonium nitrate, and petroleum, alongside increased volumes in wheat and machinery.
This growth was primarily driven by a 12.8% surge in bulk and break-bulk (BBB) cargo, where landed volumes led to the increase.
Gains
Although exports handled through the Port of Walvis Bay declined slightly by 5.7%, notable gains were achieved in salt bulk, copper and lead concentrates, charcoal, wooden products, as well as marble and granite. The Port of Walvis Bay also marked the first-time export of key critical minerals such as nickel and zinc concentrates, positioning Namibia as an emerging player in the global mineral supply chain.
The Port of Lüderitz recorded a 21.7% increase in total cargo volumes, rising from 1.21 million tonnes to 1.47 million tonnes year-on-year. This growth was primarily driven by a rise in imports, notably in empty containers, petroleum products, wet fish, and machinery, reflecting increased activity across several sectors.
While total exports declined by 5.4%, this was partially offset by steady growth in key commodities such as zinc ore, frozen fish, and ice, which continued to perform well on a year-on-year basis.
The two ports achieved a notable milestone, recording the highest container throughput in over a decade, demonstrating a significant surge in cargo volumes and improved operational efficiency.
During the period under review, a total of 253,996 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) were handled by the Namibian ports, representing a substantial 33% year-on-year increase, equivalent to 82,845 TEUs.
Mixed performance
Namport’s Syncrolift repair facilities recorded mixed performance during the year under review. Occupancy at the repair jetties decreased from 96% to 75%. Meanwhile, repair bay occupancy remained relatively stable at 47% year-on-year.
Cruise tourism also rebounded at both ports, with increased international vessel calls - including the MSC Musica - enhancing the ports' roles in supporting Namibia’s growing tourism economy.
This growth underscores the sustained strength of its operations across bulk, break-bulk, containerised, and liquid cargo segments, bolstered by continued cargo diversification, targeted infrastructure enhancements, and strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders.
The mining sector remained one of the most significant contributors, with notable increases in the export of copper concentrate, zinc concentrate, and uranium oxide concentrate through both the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Imports rose by 7.1%, led by significant gains in fertiliser, sulphur, ammonium nitrate, and petroleum, alongside increased volumes in wheat and machinery.
This growth was primarily driven by a 12.8% surge in bulk and break-bulk (BBB) cargo, where landed volumes led to the increase.
Gains
Although exports handled through the Port of Walvis Bay declined slightly by 5.7%, notable gains were achieved in salt bulk, copper and lead concentrates, charcoal, wooden products, as well as marble and granite. The Port of Walvis Bay also marked the first-time export of key critical minerals such as nickel and zinc concentrates, positioning Namibia as an emerging player in the global mineral supply chain.
The Port of Lüderitz recorded a 21.7% increase in total cargo volumes, rising from 1.21 million tonnes to 1.47 million tonnes year-on-year. This growth was primarily driven by a rise in imports, notably in empty containers, petroleum products, wet fish, and machinery, reflecting increased activity across several sectors.
While total exports declined by 5.4%, this was partially offset by steady growth in key commodities such as zinc ore, frozen fish, and ice, which continued to perform well on a year-on-year basis.
The two ports achieved a notable milestone, recording the highest container throughput in over a decade, demonstrating a significant surge in cargo volumes and improved operational efficiency.
During the period under review, a total of 253,996 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) were handled by the Namibian ports, representing a substantial 33% year-on-year increase, equivalent to 82,845 TEUs.
Mixed performance
Namport’s Syncrolift repair facilities recorded mixed performance during the year under review. Occupancy at the repair jetties decreased from 96% to 75%. Meanwhile, repair bay occupancy remained relatively stable at 47% year-on-year.
Cruise tourism also rebounded at both ports, with increased international vessel calls - including the MSC Musica - enhancing the ports' roles in supporting Namibia’s growing tourism economy.
