Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (POAB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to co-develop a new port situated north of the existing Port of Walvis Bay on the southern Atlantic coast of Namibia.

Spread across 1,300 hectares, the port is planned to serve as a dedicated hub for green hydrogen and logistics, with storage and bunkering operations for green fuels, and export infrastructure for green ammonia.

The MoU was inked in the presence of Namibia’s President Nangolo Mbumba and Belgium’s King Philippe, who was on a state visit to Namibia from 30 April to 3 May.

According to the African Energy Council, work on the estimated €250 million (US$269.2 million) port will be completed within three to five years and a subsidiary of Switzerland's Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is in talks to operate the facility.

“Just as we have cemented our position as a vital global connection hub for the European industry through our Port of Antwerp-Bruges, we are now extending our reach to connect Namibia with the world,” commented Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of POAB. “Collaboratively, we will develop the necessary infrastructure and create unprecedented opportunities that will not only support the hydrogen economy but also contribute to our shared green transition strategies.”

In November 2022, Namibia and the EU signed an MoU to form a strategic partnership to develop a green hydrogen economy and sustainable raw material value chains. The EU committed to provide €1 billion (US$1.1 billion) in investment through the partnership including supporting the development by POAB of a masterplan for the dedicated port area for green hydrogen, covering multimodal infrastructure, spatial planning and market organisation.

President @DrNangoloMbumba and His Majesty the King of the Belgians were in attendance at the presentation held at the Northport site of #Namport, concerning the anticipated port designated for the exportation of #GreenHydrogen. pic.twitter.com/73g85JmlNC

— Namibian Presidency (@NamPresidency) May 3, 2024

During the state visit, a letter of intent was also signed between Namport, Belgium’s CMB Tech, Cleanergy Solutions Namibia and POAB for the creation of Africa's first hydroelectric vessel - a multifunctional port utility vessel to be powered by dual-fuel hydrogen engines.

Cleanergy is a joint venture between CMB Tech and Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group. The firm is developing a hydrogen refuelling station in Walvis Bay which is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2024, as well as a green hydrogen production plant which comprises a 5MW proton exchange membrane electrolyser, a 5MW battery and a 10-hectare solar park. The facility will power trucks, port equipment, railway applications and small ships.