Justicia Shipena
The European Union (EU), the Port of Rotterdam and the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) have signed a deal to advance the expansion of Lüderitz Port at Angra Point.
The agreement forms part of the EU–Namibia strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains and renewable hydrogen.
Under the deal, the EU has committed N$13 million to support planning for the port’s expansion.
The agreement was signed during the closing session of its Africa regional workshop on Global Gateway Green Shipping Corridors in Walvis Bay.
Maritime transport must undergo rapid change to cut emissions, European Union (EU) ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins told delegates at the workshop.
She said the sector’s contribution to global emissions demands urgent action from governments and industry.
She addressed representatives from African partnership countries, the International Maritime Organisation, the African Union Commission, port authorities and private operators.
The discussions come as world leaders gather at the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) climate conference in Belém, Brazil.
The workshop is the first of three regional sessions to be held worldwide. Martins said hosting it in Namibia shows Europe’s confidence in African partners and Namibia’s growing role in green shipping.
“No better place than Namibia to show us the way on green shipping,” she said.
She outlined the long-standing cooperation between the EU, IMO, and African countries across transport sectors, such as roads, rail, aviation safety, and sustainable fuels.
She said these partnerships have strengthened mobility and connectivity on the continent.
Martins reminded delegates of the urgency of the climate crisis.
The EU has submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution for 2035, committing to cut emissions by 66% to 72% and aiming to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
She noted that Europe remains the world’s largest provider of climate finance, with €31.7 billion contributed in 2024 and €11 billion in private finance for developing countries.
Last week at COP30, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed that Namibia would require about US$15 billion, or roughly N$270 billion, to meet its climate mitigation and adaptation goals by 2030.
Most of this funding would rely on international support.
Namibia’s adaptation efforts in agriculture, water, health, biodiversity and infrastructure would require about US$6 billion (around N$108 billion), with 90% expected to come from external sources.
Its mitigation measures were projected to cost about US$9 billion (roughly N$162 billion), with 10% expected to be financed locally.
Martina said momentum toward decarbonising shipping remains strong, despite the IMO’s delayed decision on the Net Zero Framework.
She said the EU wants to support long-term competitiveness and economic growth across Africa and Europe through cleaner shipping routes.
She also pointed out challenges, such as geopolitical pressures, high investment costs, renewable fuel prices, and limited infrastructure.
The Global Gateway’s Green Shipping Corridors initiative responds to requests from shippers, fuel producers, port operators, and maritime authorities.
Martins said the long-term goal is to establish shipping routes powered by renewable fuels and supported by ports able to supply clean energy. She said this transition requires robust financing.
Erongo governor Natalia |Goagoses welcomed the delegates from across Africa to the workshop, which was held under the theme “Accelerating Inclusive Green Shipping in Africa: Energy Efficiency, Innovation and Finance for a Low-Carbon Maritime Future.”
She praised the International Maritime Organization, the European Union and MTCC Africa for supporting sustainable and inclusive maritime development.
