Truck port and staging facility planned for Walvis Bay
Modern truck port on the cards
Walvis Bay will soon boast a modern truck port and staging facility developed by NKNO Fuels at Farm 38. The project aims to reduce congestion, improve safety and provide much-needed amenities for truck drivers passing through Namibia's main port town.
During an engagement session with various stakeholders last week, Dries Oberholzer of NKNO Fuels said Walvis Bay’s infrastructure is under growing pressure due to the steady increase in cargo traffic.
“With that comes a lot of challenges, including citizen frustration,” Oberholzer explained. “We must also remember the drivers – the unsung heroes who spend countless hours on the road in difficult conditions. Currently, there are no proper overnight facilities for them, which is unfair. This, coupled with potential social challenges from people congregating in unsafe areas, is not conducive to the image we want for our town and country.”
He emphasised that with large volumes of cargo – including hazardous materials – moving through the area, proper management and storage control are essential.
“Walvis Bay is a reliable route, particularly for companies operating in Botswana, and any mismanagement of facilities such as fuel storage poses a national security risk," Oberholzer said.
"We need a clear plan for access control and traffic flow,” he added, noting that “setting up a facility alone won’t solve the problem; it requires buy-in from all key stakeholders, including the port and Municipality of Walvis Bay.”
More than a truck stop
Oberholzer said the planned facility goes beyond a typical truck stop.
Planned amenities include a convenience store, canteen, relaxation area, basic mechanical services, and large holding bays to keep trucks out of town.
“Security and access control are critical. The route from the DRC and Zambia carries valuable copper cargo, so we must ensure proper protection. Fuelling will also take place on-site through a reputable oil management company, while automation and digitisation will be central to operations.”
Oberholzer envisions an integrated information-sharing system that allows for real-time tracking of truck movements. “Imagine having an app where you can scan a truck’s number plate and instantly know where it’s headed, whether it’s supposed to be there, or if it should be outside of town,” he said. “Our goal is to use technology to our advantage and be at the forefront of smart logistics.”
The site at Farm 38 was deliberately chosen to move heavy-duty vehicles away from residential areas. “A staging facility in the middle of the city would not solve the problem. The municipality allocated us land next to the new dual carriageway into town, ensuring easy access for trucks entering or exiting the port.”
Community upliftment
The six-hectare property will initially be able to accommodate 60 trucks, with expansion potential to 150 to 160. The facility will be solar-powered and equipped with CCTV, electric fencing and high-mast lighting for safety.
NKNO Fuels has completed its sustainability plan and land survey, with final approvals expected soon. Funding has been secured, designs have been submitted to the municipality and Icetec has been appointed as technical partner.
Oberholzer also highlighted plans to involve the local community at Farm 37. “We want local contractors and entrepreneurs to participate during construction and operation,” he said. “Small vendors and informal traders will be considered as part of structured community upliftment efforts.”
The project follows a high-volume, low-margin model with an estimated 15- to 20-year return on investment. Construction is expected to take around four months for the first phase of the project.
Strategic project
Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes welcomed the development, saying it will create a ripple effect and stimulate local businesses, encourage investment and support job creation.
“A well-managed trucking ecosystem reduces congestion, minimises environmental impact, and improves safety for residents and workers alike. It enhances the overall liveability of Walvis Bay while preserving the town’s unique maritime character.”
Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses said the project "will not be just another development. It will serve as a strategic enabler, directly supporting non-port operations, municipal planning, corridor logistics, and, most importantly, the social and economic upliftment of our people.”
She said that the project exemplifies the forward-looking partnerships that the region embraces. “I would like to acknowledge the exceptional coordination and dedication demonstrated by NKNO Fuels and their partners. The speed and efficiency with which this project has been assembled reflect the seriousness and commitme
During an engagement session with various stakeholders last week, Dries Oberholzer of NKNO Fuels said Walvis Bay’s infrastructure is under growing pressure due to the steady increase in cargo traffic.
“With that comes a lot of challenges, including citizen frustration,” Oberholzer explained. “We must also remember the drivers – the unsung heroes who spend countless hours on the road in difficult conditions. Currently, there are no proper overnight facilities for them, which is unfair. This, coupled with potential social challenges from people congregating in unsafe areas, is not conducive to the image we want for our town and country.”
He emphasised that with large volumes of cargo – including hazardous materials – moving through the area, proper management and storage control are essential.
“Walvis Bay is a reliable route, particularly for companies operating in Botswana, and any mismanagement of facilities such as fuel storage poses a national security risk," Oberholzer said.
"We need a clear plan for access control and traffic flow,” he added, noting that “setting up a facility alone won’t solve the problem; it requires buy-in from all key stakeholders, including the port and Municipality of Walvis Bay.”
More than a truck stop
Oberholzer said the planned facility goes beyond a typical truck stop.
Planned amenities include a convenience store, canteen, relaxation area, basic mechanical services, and large holding bays to keep trucks out of town.
“Security and access control are critical. The route from the DRC and Zambia carries valuable copper cargo, so we must ensure proper protection. Fuelling will also take place on-site through a reputable oil management company, while automation and digitisation will be central to operations.”
Oberholzer envisions an integrated information-sharing system that allows for real-time tracking of truck movements. “Imagine having an app where you can scan a truck’s number plate and instantly know where it’s headed, whether it’s supposed to be there, or if it should be outside of town,” he said. “Our goal is to use technology to our advantage and be at the forefront of smart logistics.”
The site at Farm 38 was deliberately chosen to move heavy-duty vehicles away from residential areas. “A staging facility in the middle of the city would not solve the problem. The municipality allocated us land next to the new dual carriageway into town, ensuring easy access for trucks entering or exiting the port.”
Community upliftment
The six-hectare property will initially be able to accommodate 60 trucks, with expansion potential to 150 to 160. The facility will be solar-powered and equipped with CCTV, electric fencing and high-mast lighting for safety.
NKNO Fuels has completed its sustainability plan and land survey, with final approvals expected soon. Funding has been secured, designs have been submitted to the municipality and Icetec has been appointed as technical partner.
Oberholzer also highlighted plans to involve the local community at Farm 37. “We want local contractors and entrepreneurs to participate during construction and operation,” he said. “Small vendors and informal traders will be considered as part of structured community upliftment efforts.”
The project follows a high-volume, low-margin model with an estimated 15- to 20-year return on investment. Construction is expected to take around four months for the first phase of the project.
Strategic project
Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes welcomed the development, saying it will create a ripple effect and stimulate local businesses, encourage investment and support job creation.
“A well-managed trucking ecosystem reduces congestion, minimises environmental impact, and improves safety for residents and workers alike. It enhances the overall liveability of Walvis Bay while preserving the town’s unique maritime character.”
Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses said the project "will not be just another development. It will serve as a strategic enabler, directly supporting non-port operations, municipal planning, corridor logistics, and, most importantly, the social and economic upliftment of our people.”
She said that the project exemplifies the forward-looking partnerships that the region embraces. “I would like to acknowledge the exceptional coordination and dedication demonstrated by NKNO Fuels and their partners. The speed and efficiency with which this project has been assembled reflect the seriousness and commitme
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