EU, Port of Rotterdam support Namport in Lüderitz port expansion plan

The European Union and the Port of Rotterdam have signed a N$13 million partnership with Namport to support the planned expansion of the Lüderitz Port in southern Namibia. The agreement, signed during the EU’s Africa regional workshop on Green Shipping Corridors, forms part of the EU–Namibia Strategic Partnership on Sustainable Raw Materials and Renewable Hydrogen.

The project will focus on environmental and technical studies for the proposed expansion at Angra Point. The Port of Rotterdam will lead an environmental impact assessment aimed at ensuring the port’s development meets international sustainability standards. The assessment will also guide decisions on port layout, infrastructure design, and the establishment of a multi-user terminal capable of handling diverse cargo, including exports of green hydrogen in the form of green ammonia.

EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins said the partnership reflects the shared commitment between the EU and Namibia to advance sustainable industrialisation. “By investing in the necessary port infrastructure and the studies behind it, we are ensuring that development is both forward-looking and responsible,” Martins said.

Namport’s Risk Management Executive, Stefanus Gariseb, described the initiative as a milestone in positioning Namibia as a hub for clean energy and critical minerals exports. “By leveraging international expertise and investment, Namport is driving industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth,” he said.

The Lüderitz project builds on previous EU-supported collaborations between Namport and Port of Antwerp–Bruges International to develop the Walvis Bay Port expansion master plan. Both ports’ development efforts are designed to strengthen Africa–Europe trade corridors and advance the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to promote sustainable infrastructure and investment.