Namibia Ports Authority’s (Namport) chief executive officer (CEO) Andrew Kanime on Friday shared a breakdown of the port’s operational and financial performance for the 2023 financial year with port users at Walvis Bay.
Kanime revealed that vessel calls at the ports of Walvis and Lüderitz have increased by 3%.
The gross tonnages of the vessels increased to 22 399,714 which translates to a 15% increase.
He noted that the increase in vessel calls was predominantly driven by increased calls of dry bulk and liquid bulk and petroleum, passenger and patrol vessels.
Container volumes decreased by 4% to 160 883 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), due to reduced transshipment volumes.
Container import and export volumes recorded an increase of 0,4% and 9%, respectively, which Kanime said indicates increasing demand from local and regional markets.
Bulk and break-bulk volumes increased by 23%. The total bulk and break-bulk volumes increased by 5 428 543 tonnes due to an increase in market demand for various commodities such as fish and mineral ores.
Revenue for the year that ended on 31st March 2023 was N$1,503 billion compared to N$1,234 billion in 2022.
“It registered a 22% year-on-year increase on the back of the recovering industry, favourable commodity prices and booming imports and exports,” he said.
The port’s operating expenditure increased by 11% from the previous financial year to N$1,114 billion, in line with the increased business activity, while operating profit increased by N$36 million to N$411 million.
“This is testimony to the positive spin-offs from the ongoing cost rationalisation drive. Operating expenditure for the period to date amounts to N$95 million in comparison to the previous financial year (1 April-30 September) of N$88,7 million, representing an increase of 7%.
Revenue for the six months of September 2023 is up by 13% from N$679,363 million to N$765,802 million,” he said.
The port also awarded top clients, who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the maritime industry at Walvis Bay.
The winners are the most influential minds in the field of transport and logistics.
Leonard ‘Kicker’ Shidute received the 2023 lifetime industry achiever award for his hard work, positive attitude and dedication in the industry.
“I was very shocked. I did not expect it. It is not easy. I have been in the industry for 30 years now. It took a lot of dedication, hard work and commitment, but I have made it so far.
I will continue to serve the Namibian public.
I would like to thank all the people who contributed to my success. Be humble and nice to people.
You will get the reward,” said Shidute.
The top three small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are XYZ Investment CC, Zephyr Investments CC and Comfortune Investment CC.
The top five revenue-based clients are Woker Freight Services, Logistics Support Services, Sturrock Grindrod Maritime Namibia, Trade Ocean Shipping Namibia and Maersk Namibia.
The top five volume-based clients are Puma Energy Namibia, Walvis Bay Salt Refiners, Engen, Walvis Bay Bulk Terminal and Woker Freight Services.
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