Namport, Port of Antwerp-Bruges sign historic partnership
• Walvis north port in development
Namport, the Port of Antwerp-Burges, Cleanergy Solutions and CMB.TECH will all come together to develop the first hydrogen-powered vessel for Africa.
The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has signed a memorandum of understanding with CMB.TECH, Cleanergy Solutions Namibia and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to develop a hydrogen-powered vessel. The vessel will be the first to operate not only in Namibian waters, but in African waters too.
Additionally, Namport and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges signed an agreement focusing on the development of the North Port of Walvis Bay. The two parties have come to an agreement to co-create, co-invest and co-develop in the development of the north port to create industrial clusters.
Namport CEO Andrew Kanime explained that the agreements are aimed towards advancing cooperation between Namibia and Belgium in the field of green energy. Belgian head of state King Philippe paid a visit to Namibia last week.
“Leveraging off the foundation laid by the bilateral memorandum of understanding, Namport and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International have set port development, capacity-building and energy transition as the specific focus areas towards operationalising cooperation,” he said.
Model migration
Kanime said Namport has set itself the long-term strategic goal to migrate from the current hybrid port authority operator model to a pure landlord model.
“The partnership with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International presents a great opportunity to learn from the path that our counterparts have already walked. They are without doubt one of the biggest, best and most advanced ports in the whole world; this partnership provides a streamlined transition for Namport to the top tiers of best port authorities in the world.”
He added that in migrating to a landlord model, Namport seeks to collaborate with international partners, consolidate and strengthen its position as a landlord, thereby amplifying its attractiveness and capacity to harness private capital to develop common user port facilities.
“By doing this, we relieve strain on public finances from the development of port and other related facilities. The increased investment and the infusion of, among others, new skills and technologies by the private sector will enhance the efficiency of our service offerings, thereby driving the competitiveness of Namport and the country as a logistics support hub for the hinterland market.”
Through the partnership, Namport has set aside a large portion of land at the Port of Walvis Bay’s north port for the establishment of energy and industrial clusters by the private sector on a long-term lease basis.
“We aim to engage the local authorities for the setup of heavy industries behind Dune 7 and we will collaborate with our international partners to attract the industries to come and set up in Walvis Bay.”
He added that part of the land has been reserved for developers for a range of projects that are in various stages of their feasibility studies.
“Many of these land reservations are for potential green energy terminals. One of such land reservations was made to Cleanergy, for the setting up of port facilities such as ammonia storage and distribution infrastructure that will eventually see ammonia being not just exported from here to the rest of the world, but also used to refuel ships here at Walvis Bay with this new green fuel. In so doing, making Walvis Bay a green fuel bunkering hub.”
Ready and willing
Meanwhile, Jacques Vandermeiren, the CEO of Port Antwerp-Burges, added that the partnership will look at solutions to the problems the world faces when it comes to dealing with climate change.
“We are ready, you can count on our support. We will put our money where our mouth is, so you can count on it. Our money is there, our enthusiasm and our expertise from everyone at Antwerp-Burges.”
The very first hydrogen-powered vessel in the world is currently sailing in the Port of Antwerp-Burges.
Additionally, Namport and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges signed an agreement focusing on the development of the North Port of Walvis Bay. The two parties have come to an agreement to co-create, co-invest and co-develop in the development of the north port to create industrial clusters.
Namport CEO Andrew Kanime explained that the agreements are aimed towards advancing cooperation between Namibia and Belgium in the field of green energy. Belgian head of state King Philippe paid a visit to Namibia last week.
“Leveraging off the foundation laid by the bilateral memorandum of understanding, Namport and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International have set port development, capacity-building and energy transition as the specific focus areas towards operationalising cooperation,” he said.
Model migration
Kanime said Namport has set itself the long-term strategic goal to migrate from the current hybrid port authority operator model to a pure landlord model.
“The partnership with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International presents a great opportunity to learn from the path that our counterparts have already walked. They are without doubt one of the biggest, best and most advanced ports in the whole world; this partnership provides a streamlined transition for Namport to the top tiers of best port authorities in the world.”
He added that in migrating to a landlord model, Namport seeks to collaborate with international partners, consolidate and strengthen its position as a landlord, thereby amplifying its attractiveness and capacity to harness private capital to develop common user port facilities.
“By doing this, we relieve strain on public finances from the development of port and other related facilities. The increased investment and the infusion of, among others, new skills and technologies by the private sector will enhance the efficiency of our service offerings, thereby driving the competitiveness of Namport and the country as a logistics support hub for the hinterland market.”
Through the partnership, Namport has set aside a large portion of land at the Port of Walvis Bay’s north port for the establishment of energy and industrial clusters by the private sector on a long-term lease basis.
“We aim to engage the local authorities for the setup of heavy industries behind Dune 7 and we will collaborate with our international partners to attract the industries to come and set up in Walvis Bay.”
He added that part of the land has been reserved for developers for a range of projects that are in various stages of their feasibility studies.
“Many of these land reservations are for potential green energy terminals. One of such land reservations was made to Cleanergy, for the setting up of port facilities such as ammonia storage and distribution infrastructure that will eventually see ammonia being not just exported from here to the rest of the world, but also used to refuel ships here at Walvis Bay with this new green fuel. In so doing, making Walvis Bay a green fuel bunkering hub.”
Ready and willing
Meanwhile, Jacques Vandermeiren, the CEO of Port Antwerp-Burges, added that the partnership will look at solutions to the problems the world faces when it comes to dealing with climate change.
“We are ready, you can count on our support. We will put our money where our mouth is, so you can count on it. Our money is there, our enthusiasm and our expertise from everyone at Antwerp-Burges.”
The very first hydrogen-powered vessel in the world is currently sailing in the Port of Antwerp-Burges.
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