Lüderitz port expansion key to offshore oil ambitions, says governor

ǁKharas Governor Dawid Gertze has called for the speedy expansion of the Port of Lüderitz, saying delays could cost Namibia investment, jobs, and opportunities linked to offshore oil and gas development.

"The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) Lüderitz Port Expansion Proposal will transform the existing port facility from a modest regional port into a world-class offshore oil and gas support hub that could unlock billions of dollars in economic activity and create thousands of jobs. It is a matter of national urgency, driven by the rapid emergence of offshore oil and gas exploration along Namibia's southern coastline," Gertze said.

According to Gertze, Namport had warned that failure to expand the port could divert operations to Walvis Bay, South Africa or Angola, costing Namibia thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic value.

"With major port infrastructure requiring at least three years to complete, every delay narrows Namibia's window to secure its place in the global energy supply chain. The time to act is now, before opportunity sails away from Lüderitz's shores. We cannot allow this historic opportunity to drift to South Africa or Angola, nor can we accept a future where our youth remain unemployed while prosperity passes our shores," he said.

Offshore operations would require extensive onshore infrastructure, including expanded harbour capacity, deep-water berths, storage and fabrication yards, chemical plants, pipe assembly zones and aviation infrastructure.

"The current port can only sustain the exploration phase. The upcoming development and production phases will require large-scale expansion to handle increased vessel traffic, logistics and industrial operations," he said.

Gertze acknowledged that the proposed expansion had raised heritage, environmental and community concerns over Shark Island, which carries historical and spiritual significance.

He said the ǁKharas regional leadership supported the expansion on condition that it upheld scientific integrity, environmental responsibility and community benefit.

"Heritage concerns must be addressed respectfully and transparently, environmental safeguards must be enforced, and local communities must share meaningfully in the resulting jobs, business opportunities and infrastructure," he said.

"The concerns raised regarding heritage and ancestral sites are deeply respected. Our history and the memory of those who came before us must always be honoured. Yet progress must also be guided by science and evidence-based decision-making.

"To this end, Namport commissioned specialist studies, including archaeological surveys, underground heritage investigations, and noise and visual impact assessments. These independent investigations found no underground human remains within the proposed development area."

Gertze said expert teams had recommended mitigation measures to ensure development proceeded responsibly while respecting cultural and environmental heritage.

"Reports have been submitted to the Environmental Commissioner and the National Heritage Council for consideration. Proposals under consideration include building a museum to preserve and celebrate Lüderitz's heritage and reserving selected projects and subcontracting opportunities for local participation and empowerment,” he said.

Gertze called on the Environmental Commissioner and the National Heritage Council to expedite their decisions. He also urged local communities to engage actively and encouraged investors and development partners to commit to local content, employment and empowerment.

"Let all stakeholders act with unity and purpose, balancing progress with preservation and ensuring that this development serves both national and regional interests. Let us move forward with respect for our heritage, commitment to our communities, scientific rigour in our decision-making, and determination to seize this historic opportunity for the benefit of all Namibians," he said.