European Union and Port of Rotterdam support Namport in expansion of Lüderitz Port

The agreement was signed during the closing session of the EU’s Africa regional workshop on Global Gateway Green Shipping Corridors. It followed the EU supported International Maritime Organisation (IMO) workshop in Walvis Bay, which gathered stakeholders from 30 African maritime authorities under the Global Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre network. Both workshops tackled the urgent debate with African stakeholders on global green shipping routes, which are essential to reducing emissions from maritime transport in order to safeguarding communities and livelihoods increasingly at risk from climate change.

The signature also marks a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between the EU and Namibia to drive the global energy transition and promote green industrialisation in Namibia, particularly in the Kharas region in line with the Namibian government’s ‘Southern Corridor Development Initiative’. The initiative follows up on the support already provided by the Port of Rotterdam to Namport’s masterplan for the expansion of the port of Lüderitz. Under the new partnership, the Port of Rotterdam will lead a high-level environmental impact assessment to ensure that the project meets the highest environmental standards from the outset. The assessment will proactively identify and address potential environmental, community, and infrastructure concerns to inform the decision-making process on the expansion of the port in Lüderitz. This essential first step will ensure that development proceeds sustainably and inclusively. The study will also include conceptual designs, layout plans study and technical specifications for the envisaged expansion of Lüderitz Port, with a multi-user terminal capable of serving various cargo types, including the export of green hydrogen in the form of green ammonia.
 

This support to Lüderitz port draws on earlier EU-funded cooperation between Port of Antwerp– Bruges International (POABI) and Namport to develop a master plan for the expansion of Walvis Bay Port, which could more than double the port’s capacity and unlock up to NAD 10 billion in potential investment if implemented. Both ports expansions aim to strengthen strategic trade corridors between Africa and Europe, positioning Namibia as a key regional gateway for sustainable trade and a future green logistics hub within global green maritime corridors. Together, these initiatives form part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the EU’s flagship investment programme to boost sustainable infrastructure, strengthen global partnerships, and create local opportunities.
 

H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins, EU Ambassador to Namibia, said: 

“This partnership embodies the shared vision of the European Union and Namibia for a sustainable, fair and mutually beneficial green industrialisation. By investing in the necessary port infrastructure and the studies behind it, we are ensuring that development is both forward-looking and responsible. This is how Global Gateway works: by creating the conditions for sustainable growth, decent jobs and human development for Namibians.” 

Martijn Coopman, Port of Rotterdam Programme Manager for International Hydrogen Supply
Chains, said: 

“The Port of Rotterdam has been supporting Namport and Namibia in developing Lüderitz for several years. We are proud to now expand this cooperation with the strategic support of the EU. Together, we are helping catalyse the energy transition in Europe while ensuring Namibia and Namibians benefit from new economic opportunities.” Speaking on behalf of Namport, Stefanus Gariseb, Risk Management Executive said: “Namport welcomes the EU and Port of Rotterdam’s support for developing a Green Minerals Terminal at Lüderitz. This partnership marks a major step in strengthening Namibia’s role in global clean energy supply chains. By leveraging international expertise and investment, Namport is driving industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth. The initiative aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions, positioning Namport as a strategic hub for critical minerals and clean energy exports to Europe and beyond.”

Speaking on behalf of Namport, Stefanus Gariseb, Risk Management Executive said: 

“Namport welcomes the EU and Port of Rotterdam’s support for developing a Green Minerals Terminal at Lüderitz. This partnership marks a major step in strengthening Namibia’s role in global clean energy supply chains. By leveraging international expertise and investment, Namport is driving industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth. The initiative aligns with the EU’s Global
Gateway strategy and Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions, positioning Namport as a strategic hub for critical minerals and clean energy exports to Europe and beyond.”