Fishing industry the only concern
ED RICHARDSON
THE INCREASE in traffic through Walvis Bay and the
changing nature of the cargo are reflected in the growth
of Manica’s own operations, says Hans-Werner Timke,
managing director of the Manica Group Namibia.
“We are definitely benefiting from all the activity in
Walvis,” he says.
And he is confident about the future: Growth in
container traffic, the Trans-Kalahari and Caprivi Highways,
Kudu Gas, the opening of the Langer Heinrich uranium
mine, a Namzinc zinc refiner, as well as expansion
possibilities in Luderitz all offer growth potential, he says.
The Namibian operation has matured into offering
a full freight logistical service throughout Namibia and
into the neighbouring countries. Being part of Bidvest has
helped open doors due to the resources available to the
group, he added.
Highlights over the past year include handling imports
of bulk wheat for Zambia, winning the tender to provide
logistical services for the Kudu gas fields, acting as agent
for the giant Antonov V-225 which delivered
three 37-ton cables, and the formation of a black
economically empowered (BEE) stevedoring company in
Lüderitz Bay.
Namibian private equity company Stimulus bought
45% of Quayside Investments with Manica Group Namibia
holding the balance.
Quayside’s roots in the Walvis Bay stevedoring industry
go back to 1948. It operates through wholly-owned
subsidiary Walvis Bay Stevedoring Company (WBS).
Manica also provides clearing and forwarding,
warehousing and ship’s agency services in both Luderitz
and Walvis Bay.
There are plans to develop a stevedoring service in
Walvis Bay as well, says Timke.
Another priority is the Zambian market. “We hope to
get more business on the Zambian route thanks to the
increasing use of the Caprivi Corridor.”
The only dark spot in an otherwise bright future is the
uncertainty surrounding the fishing industry. Manica has
interests in fishing through Namsov, which like other fishing
companies has been hit by a moratorium on hake fishing in
order to allow the stock to recover.
Horse mackerel has not been as badly affected, however.
There have been wider repercussions, with trucking
companies and freight forwarders also affected by the drop
in fish volumes being processed and handled.
Timke says consolidation within the industry is
inevitable if there is to be further investment in the fleet
and upgrading of facilities to make optimum use of the
stock that is available.
Manica’s growth mirrors Walvis Bay prosperity
10 Apr 2007 - by Staff reporter
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