Namibia advances green shipping hub plans with N$13m EU port expansion deal

Joining forces
Leandrea mouers
  • 3 Hours Ago
The European Union (EU) has signed a N$13 million partnership with the Port of Rotterdam and Namport to support the planning of the Lüderitz Port expansion at Angra Point. The initiative forms part of the EU–Namibia strategic partnership on sustainable raw material value chains and renewable hydrogen.

The agreement was signed during the closing session of the EU’s Africa regional workshop on Global Gateway Green Shipping Corridors, which followed the EU-supported International Maritime Organisation (IMO) workshop in Walvis Bay.

Both workshops addressed the urgent discussions with African stakeholders on global green shipping routes, critical pathways to reducing emissions from maritime transport and safeguarding communities and livelihoods increasingly threatened by climate change.

During an interview with Network Media Hub, Ana Beatriz Martins, EU ambassador to Namibia, said the workshop came at a crucial time as the world intensifies efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by 2050.

“Ninety percent of global trade depends on shipping, and the sector accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We simply must act,” she said.

The event brought together more than 30 African representatives from ministries of energy and transport, including Namibia, alongside private-sector stakeholders and financial institutions to find practical solutions to reduce emissions over the next three decades.

Martins explained that the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy already supports a range of initiatives in Africa and Asia to modernise ports, decarbonise shipping, digitalise port systems and upgrade infrastructure.

“The discussions focused on identifying the right technologies, understanding regulatory challenges, and crafting solutions that will make the transition to green shipping possible,” she noted.

Key regional gateway

The ambassador emphasised that collaboration with the private sector is essential, noting that companies see both economic and job-creation opportunities in the sector’s transformation.

The new partnership signed last week builds on previous support by the Port of Rotterdam for Namport’s master plan for the Lüderitz and Walvis Bay port expansions.

Under the agreement, Rotterdam will lead a high-level environmental impact assessment to identify and address potential environmental, community and infrastructure concerns, informing decision-making for the Lüderitz Port expansion.

It will also ensure sustainable and inclusive development, covering conceptual designs, layout plans and technical specifications. The multi-user terminal will handle various cargo types, including the export of green hydrogen in the form of green ammonia.

This support for Lüderitz Port draws on earlier EU-funded cooperation between Port of Antwerp–Bruges International (POABI) and Namport to develop a master plan for the Walvis Bay Port expansion, which could more than double the port’s capacity and unlock up to N$10 billion in potential investment if implemented.

Both expansions aim to strengthen strategic trade corridors between Africa and Europe, positioning Namibia as a key regional gateway for sustainable trade and a future green logistics hub within global green maritime corridors.

Stefanus Gariseb, Namport risk management executive, said they welcome the EU and Port of Rotterdam’s support for developing a Green Minerals Terminal at Lüderitz.

“This partnership marks a major step in strengthening Namibia’s role in global clean energy supply chains. By leveraging international expertise and investment, Namport is driving industrialisation, job creation and sustainable growth," he said.

"The initiative aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions, positioning Namport as a strategic hub for critical minerals and clean energy exports to Europe and beyond," he added.