The Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) is strategically positioned to play a pivotal role in facilitating Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen sector.
Namport Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kanime says as the main gateway for Namibia’s imports and exports, Namport will serve as a crucial logistical hub for the transportation of green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as green ammonia.
“We are also focusing on improving port infrastructure to accommodate the demands of this emerging industry, ensuring efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective operations,” Kanime says.
Namport has already initiated several key infrastructure upgrades aimed at facilitating green hydrogen projects. These include expanding the ports handling capacities for the import and export of specialised cargo.
“We are also investing in state-of-the-art technologies and green logistics solutions, with investments anticipated to reach hundreds of millions of Namibian dollars over the next decade, depending on sector growth and demand,” the Namport CEO points out.
Both the Walvis Bay and Lüderitz Ports are slated for significant upgrades to handle the anticipated increase in cargo volume from the green hydrogen sector. These upgrades will include specialised terminals for hydrogen and ammonia, enhanced cargo handling facilities, and the adoption of smart port technologies to improve efficiency. These investments are earmarked to position Namibian ports as critical nodes for green hydrogen export, especially to markets in Europe and Asia.
In its expansion, Namport is cognizant of the sensitivities surrounding heritage sites near its ports, such as Shark Island. As such it says it is committed to engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that development plans are aligned with preserving cultural and historical legacies.
“We aim to foster transparent dialogue and explore alternative solutions that honour the community’s heritage while still advancing our development goals,” the Namport head reassures.
Partnerships in Green Hydrogen
Kanime says Namport has also been proactive in entering into strategic partnerships with local and international players who are at the forefront of green hydrogen technology.
“These partnerships include collaborative efforts with global ports and logistics companies, ensuring we are aligned with international standards. These collaborations enable us to learn from best practices and innovate in areas such as green fuel logistics and port modernisation,” Kanime points out.
In addition, the Namibian Ports Authority has been actively exploring the use of green hydrogen to fuel its own port equipment. This, Kanime says, aligns with Namport’s broader sustainability goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner energy.
Committed to decarbonising
“We are considering retrofitting our equipment to accommodate hydrogen as a fuel source, thus demonstrating our commitment to embracing the very technologies we aim to support.
“Namport is fully committed to decarbonising its operations in line with Namibia’s national targets and international climate commitments. We see Namibia’s green hydrogen sector as a catalyst for our own decarbonisation efforts. Through investments in green technologies and cleaner fuels, we will reduce our carbon footprint while supporting broader regional efforts to transition towards a green economy,” the Namport CEO says.
To be able to effectively serve the green hydrogen industry, Namport is investing heavily in training and upskilling its workforce in collaboration with training institutions and industry experts. It is setting up specialised training programs focused on green hydrogen logistics and handling. This will ensure that Namport staff is equipped with the necessary skills to effectively manage and support the growth of this new industry.
