Niël Terblanché
Walvis Bay Salt Holdings (WBSH), sub-Saharan Africa’s largest sea salt producer, has officially inaugurated a new 14,000-square-metre warehouse on the premises of the port of Walvis Bay.
The facility, constructed at a cost of N$100 million, aims to improve the company’s export capabilities and safeguard product quality.
At the inauguration event, Erongo regional governor Neville Andre described the new warehouse as “a launchpad for growth.”
Andre acknowledged the strategic importance of the new warehouse
“It would expand storage capacity and enhance the port’s competitiveness in a rapidly changing global market,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes, suppliers, clients, and members of the port management.
Managing director André Snyman reiterated the necessity of the investment for the company’s sustainability.
“This N$100 million warehouse is a stay-in-business project that ensures the integrity and quality of our salt exports,” he said.
Snyman also spoke about the challenges posed by dust pollution from the Namib Desert.
“Hopefully, the enclosed storage area will become the norm in the port, to protect these products against contamination,” Snyman added.
The warehouse is part of an initiative to enhance bulk loading capabilities at the port.
WBSH plans to replace its existing fixed conveyor belt system with a mobile solution, aiming to improve operational efficiency and increase throughput.
Walvis Bay Salt, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, exports to over 15 international markets and accounts for 70% of the product flow through the port of Walvis Bay.
In 2024, the company contributed more than N$36 million in revenue to the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport).
Despite facing challenges such as halted exports to a major U.S. client due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, WBSH continues to maintain high export volumes, which reached 700,000 tons annually.
