The Namibian Ports Authority (NamPort) has teamed up with several international ports in a bid to position itself to handle green hydrogen products destined for the European Union market.
The five-year collaborations between NamPort and the Belgian Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Netherlands Port of Rotterdam, signed in 2022 and 2021 respectively, are meant to complement the development of the green hydrogen supply chain between Namibia and Europe, at the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.
Namport Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Kanime, during a courtesy visit by the EU Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton and his delegation to Namport on Tuesday, commended Europe’s decision to shift focus from its traditional suppliers of energy with its migration to renewable and clean alternatives.
“This decision could not have come at a more opportune time for Namibia’s goal to be the regional green hydrogen hub and will certainly be catalysed by the increased demand and opportunities. We are seized with the task of ensuring that Namport is ably positioned to provide the requisite support in the handling, processing, storage and export of the green hydrogen molecules to the EU and other markets,” he noted.
The CEO further said Namport is looking at handling the exports out of Walvis Bay through the North Port and will require the development of a multi-purpose terminal, which would be agreeable to EU funding.
‘We have already commenced discussions and entered into an agreement with the EU-domiciled CMB Tech, alongside their local partner Olthaver and List Group, for the development of a green hydrogen terminal,’ Kanime said.
He further noted that preparations for the implementation are underway, with the construction of the pilot plant scheduled for this year.
‘Meanwhile, collaborations between the Lüderitz port with the Port of Rotterdam will essentially mirror arrangements of the collaboration between the Walvis Bay and Antwerp-Brugess port. There is a need to develop a new port at Lüderitz to accommodate green hydrogen exports and we are looking for some public-private collaboration in the funding and development of this new port,’ Kanime said.
On his part, Commissioner Breton commended Namport for its infrastructure, saying it has a major role to play in the EU-Africa partnership.
“We also want to discuss how the EU can further assist in adding infrastructure to the port and we are ready to support financially,” Breton noted.