Chamwe Kaira
Grindrod Logistics has opened a new warehouse facility at the Port of Walvis Bay to boost cargo handling and strengthen Namibia’s trade corridors.
The warehouse is located near berths 7 and 8 and is designed for efficient cargo movement via conveyor, rail, and road.
The 4 000-square-metre weatherproof facility, built on Grindrod’s existing 50 000-square-metre premises, meets all safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) standards set by the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport).
The development marks a major collaboration between Grindrod and Namport to enhance port efficiency and position Walvis Bay as a reliable regional trade gateway.
Frans Visser, operations executive for Grindrod Logistics Africa, said Walvis Bay is ideally located as a link to global markets and neighbouring countries, such as South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
With more than fifty years of operations in Walvis Bay, Grindrod has provided integrated logistics solutions to enable efficient cargo movement.
The new warehouse expands its services in cargo handling, clearing and forwarding, container logistics, stevedoring, ships agency services and terminal operations.
Visser said the company plans to expand its footprint in the region in response to market demand.
He said Grindrod aims to collaborate with state-owned entities to develop cost-effective logistics solutions.
He added that job creation and skills development remain central to their operations.
The company expects to employ up to one hundred workers across various roles and train local staff to handle bulk shipments. Visser said community development and local empowerment are essential for long-term success.
Grindrod Logistics CEO Andrew Sturrock said the company’s continued investment in Walvis Bay shows its commitment to supporting Africa’s trade with the world.
He said the region is evolving into a secure and efficient transit corridor.
Grindrod’s bulk cargo volumes at Walvis Bay declined to 16 604 tonnes in the first half of 2025, compared to 134 443 tonnes in the same period last year. The company handled 244 333 tonnes of bulk cargo in 2024 and 305 336 tonnes in 2023.
Caption
From left: Namport CEO Andrew Kanime, Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes, and Grindrod Logistics head Andrew Sturrock.
- Photo: Grindrod
