There is no evidence in Namibia of a large-scale move of cargo from the Beira corridor following Cyclone Idai, which disrupted traffic for less than a week.
An FTW team in Namibia has been meeting with leading transporters and freight forwarders, none of whom reported seeing a marked increase in cargo through Walvis Bay.
This can be attributed to forward planning by the port and logistics companies based in Beira, and swift reaction by the authorities to rebuild the parts of the road that were washed away.
“The port sustained only limited damage as preparations were made in advance to protect all equipment, machinery and cargo,” says spokesperson Rui Massuanganhe.
“No full containers were damaged as they were stacked low or in pyramid shape. The gantry cranes withstood the storm well thanks to extensive tie down efforts before the storm.”
The terminal's information and communication systems were switched off and relocated to safe areas as a preventative measure.
Emergency repairs have brought the fuel and bulk grain terminals back into service.
“In spite of the humanitarian crisis that is still unfolding, the Beira Corridor is working normally again and has resumed its role of connecting Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and DRC to the world,” he says.
