Chamwe Kaira
Namibia Ports Authority (Nampost) says the ports of Lüderitz and Walvis Bay are being positioned as key gateways to international markets as Namibia prepares for the development of its oil and gas industry.
In its 2025 integrated annual report, Namport said the two ports are leveraging their coastal locations and direct shipping links to major global trade hubs to support future offshore energy activity.
As Namibia moves closer to final investment decisions on recent offshore oil discoveries, Namport said the country’s ports will play a central role in supporting oil and gas operations and increasing in-country value from the sector.
The Port of Lüderitz has been identified as a logistics base for offshore oil and gas operations. Namport said plans to extend the quay wall by about 300 metres remain a priority to allow the port to handle platform support vessels and improve flexibility.
Progress on the project depends on securing support from traditional authorities.
The port of Walvis Bay continues to anchor current exploration and drilling activities. The port has recorded new investments, including the establishment of Namibia’s first liquid mud plant and expanded vessel-servicing capacity.
Namport said these developments are aimed at improving local readiness and reducing reliance on imported services.
Namport is also preparing Walvis Bay for a possible increase in offshore activity by aligning port infrastructure and services with projected industry demand.
The authority said its port positioning strategy supports national policy goals such as local content development, industrialisation and the creation of regional energy corridors.
It said the ports are being prepared not only to service oil and gas operations but also to support downstream manufacturing, logistics activity and small and medium enterprise participation.
Namport noted that competition from ports in Angola and South Africa highlights the need for Namibia’s ports to offer timely, reliable and cost-effective services.
While prospects for the sector remain positive, Namport said progress will depend on continued engagement with traditional authorities over planned developments at Lüderitz, as well as the timing of final investment decisions by oil companies.
It also pointed to global oil price movements and environmental considerations as key risk factors.
To manage these risks, Namport said it is strengthening cooperation with government, industry stakeholders and potential private-sector partners.
Infrastructure investment and service expansion will be phased in line with market demand.
Caption
As Namibia moves closer to final investment decisions on offshore oil discoveries, Namport says Lüderitz and Walvis Bay will play a key role in supporting the oil and gas industry.
- Photo: Contributed
