Ports
Port of Walvis Bay
Sheltered deepwater, temperate climate
The port of Walvis Bay is located half way down the coast of Namibia, with direct access to principal shipping routes, Walvis Bay is a natural gateway for international trade, and is a popular and reliable gateway to its' neighbours.
Walvis Bay is Namibia's largest commercial port, receiving thousands of vessel calls each year and handling millions of tonnes of cargo. It is a sheltered deepwater harbour benefiting from a temperate climate. It is rare that delays are caused by bad weather.
Info and documentation required for vessels entering Namibian ports:
ISPS
All vessels except fishing vessels, require the following information to be submitted 72hrs prior vessel's arrival by e-mail or fax.
- International Ship Security Certificate No.
- Expiry Date
- Security Status of the vessel
- Date of departure from last Port
- Last Port of call
- Is the last Port of call ISPS Code compliant: yes/no
- Security status of last Port of call
- Next Port of call
ETA Notices: As far as practical, master should provide ETA notices 10/7/5/3/2 and 1 day prior to arrival.
Port Health: All vessels must apply for "Free Pratique " prior to arrival at Walvis Bay. The application must be submitted a minimum of 48 hrs prior to arrival. Instructions on procedure and required format will be supplied to master by Trade Ocean.
Port Restrictions / Limitation:
Approach
The entrance channel is about 6km in length, 134 metres wide and depth 12.8 metres below chart datum.
Berth draft
Berths Nos. 1 to 3 are 503.8 metres long in depth of 12.8 metres below chart datum. Berths Nos. 4 to 8 are 926.6 metres long in depth of 10.6 metres below chart datum.
Max beam
No restrictions
Berthing / Sailing
Port operates 06:00 - 22:00 basis with the exception of tanker basin where daylight only berthing/sailing is enforced for vessels carrying low-flash flammable cargoes. Contact agent for further information if required.
Bunkers
Available by pipeline only. No barge bunkering facilities available.
Off port limits services
Available by launch only
Anchorage
Port Control to be advised of arrival via agent. Master to follow Port Control instructions on anchorage position.