Page 27 - ASR 035 Flip Review Magazine

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

Kanime: The Suez Canal crisis indeed policy frameworks, and closer of passengers passing through the
presents an opportunity for Namport, coordination between relevant facility yearly since its inception?
as vessels reroute around the Cape. stakeholders to ensure the sustainable
Kanime: The dedicated passenger
This situation has bolstered our growth of the mining sector and, by vessels berth has performed
strategic position, leading to increased extension, Namport's operations. satisfactorily since its launch, with a
vessel traffic and cargo throughput, ASR: Namport's vision has always steady increase in passenger traffic
ultimately benefiting our operations.
been to be Africa's preferred year-on-year. We are pleased with its
ASR: The mining sector is one of logistics hub- how close are you to contribution to our overall operations
Namport's leading economic this dream? and are committed to further
mainstay. Industry sources enhancing passenger services.
Kanime: Becoming Africa's preferred
however claim the sector is
logistics hub has always been our vision, ASR: Namport, recently initiated
currently plugged with challenges and while we have made significant the Port Automation Project
such as insufficient rail services,
strides towards this goal, there is still (PAP) to increase visibility and
water shortages, and the recent
work to be done. We continue to control across operations, and to
introduction of policies that could
invest in infrastructure, technology, and enhance operational reliability,
stunt investment in this sector.
human capital to enhance our efficiency, productivity, and safety
ASR: What does this portend for competitiveness on the continent. – would you say you are on course
Namport? toward achieving these feats?
ASR: It is about five years since
Kanime: Challenges in the mining the new container terminal at the Kanime: The Port Automation Project
sector, such as insufficient rail services Port of Walvis Bay started (PAP) is progressing well, and we are
and policy changes, certainly impact operations, how has the cargo on course to achieve our objectives of
Namport's operations. We recognize throughput progressed to date? increased visibility, control, reliability,
the importance of a thriving mining efficiency, productivity, and safety across
Kanime: Since the inception of the
industry to our port activities and are new container terminal at the Port of operations.
actively engaging stakeholders to
Walvis Bay five years ago, cargo Implementation is proceeding
address these challenges collaboratively.
throughput has steadily increased. This according to plan, with positive
ASR: What in your view should be growth is a testament to our outcomes expected soon.
done to forestall these commitment to expanding capacity and ASR: The Namibian government
shortcomings? improving efficiency to meet the charged Namport with the
Namport's 30-Year Milestones: Kanime: To mitigate these demands of global trade. responsibility to implement the
National Single Window allowing
shortcomings, collaborative efforts are
ASR: How has the recently
A Journey of Achievement essential. We advocate for improved launched dedicated passenger parties involved in trade and
transport to lodge standardised
infrastructure development, enhanced
vessel berth performed in terms
The Managing Editor of African Shipping Review (ASR), Mr. George Sunguh recently interviewed Mr.
Andrew Kanime, the Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Ports Authority in Swakopmund
Namibia. They talked about Namport's 30-year milestones.

The projected throughput
capacity for Namport in
ASR: Namibia Ports Authority ASR: What are some of the key fathers set out to achieve?
(Namport) was established on landmark achievements you can the next 10 years is
Kanime: Regarding our targets, I
28th February 1994 and thus speak of today? expected to increase significantly,
believe Namport has consistently
celebrates its 30th anniversary driven by ongoing infrastructure
Kanime: There are several key strived to meet and often exceed the
this year. Looking back, are you , ,
landmark achievements that I would objectives set by our founding fathers. developments, technological
happy with the Authority's like to highlight. These include the While there may have been deviations advancements, and growth in
achievements so far?
successful expansion of our due to evolving market conditions and regional trade volumes. We
Kanime: Looking back at Namport's infrastructure, improvements in unforeseen challenges, our aim to enhance our capacity
journey since its establishment in 1994, operational efficiency, advancements in commitment to excellence remains
I am proud to say that we have technology integration, and the unwavering. to accommodate rising
achieved significant milestones over the establishment of strategic partnerships demand effectively - Mr. Kanime
ASR: The now frequent Suez
years. While challenges have both locally and internationally. Canal crisis, must be working in
undoubtedly arisen, overall, I am
ASR: Would you say you are within your favour as ships have to go
pleased with the Authority's
the targets, below or way above around the Cape – how exactly
achievements thus far.
what the Authority's founding has this favoured you?
26 AFRICAN SHIPPING REVIEW April-June 2024 AFRICAN SHIPPING REVIEW April-June 2024 27