The Port of Lüderitz in southern Namibia faces a lack of draught, which has led to suggestions of building a new port at Angra Point.However, some industry leaders within the freight sector question the necessity and expense of such an undertaking in an environmentally sensitive area.Nico Oberholzer, director at iLogistics, believes that future plans should consider all stakeholders and focus on innovative alternatives for a more permanent solution.Regarding the proposed Kudu Gas Project to the south, Oberholzer said: “I don’t think Lüderitz needs a new port for the sake of the proposed drilling.“We have clearly seen during the recent Africa Energy Conference that Lüderitz port is not necessarily their area of interest.”When asked about the current exploration activities for oil and gas in the Orange Basin, he said: “Although initial land-side capacity is required during the exploration phase, it soon tapers off to the extent where services for supply chain requirements in terms of sub-sea developments will become more of a focus.“Lüderitz itself, with its restrictions and ecologically sensitive areas, does not hold the solution for those opportunities.”Oberholzer cited the port of Vreed-en-Hoop in Guyana as an example of such a solution.He stressed the importance of strategic innovative methods, stating: “It’s not necessary to go for the most expensive and elaborate, capex-intensive solutions anymore as there are many other ways to get things done.”He also emphasised the need for collaboration and building mutually beneficial relationships with strategic partners to develop long-term sustainable solutions.
