Namibia looks to green shipping
Namibia could find new export opportunities in cleaner shipping fuels as a Belgian company advances plans to develop green hydrogen and ammonia projects in Walvis Bay.
The opportunity follows the maiden voyage of the Mineral Europa, which left China for Australia on 9 October. The vessel, developed by Belgian maritime and clean-energy company CMB.TECH, is described as the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier.
The ship can carry up to 210,000 deadweight tonnes. CMB.TECH plans to add 21 more ammonia-powered vessels to its fleet by 2029, according to the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme.
Ammonia is emerging as an alternative fuel for shipping, an industry under pressure to reduce its carbon emissions. The development could create a market for countries capable of producing and supplying the fuel.
For Namibia, the potential opportunity is linked to CMB.TECH’s projects in Walvis Bay, in the Erongo Region. The company is pursuing green hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure, as well as a proposed ammonia storage and bunkering terminal at the Port of Walvis Bay, with a planned capacity of 55 000 tonnes.
Bunkering refers to supplying ships with fuel.
CMB.TECH is also working with state-owned TransNamib on a hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel locomotive. The proposed six-month pilot would involve about 50 return journeys between Walvis Bay and Windhoek.
The projects could bring investment and new skills to Namibia’s transport, logistics and energy sectors, while creating opportunities for local businesses to participate in emerging clean-energy supply chains.
The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme said the vessel’s deployment showed that green industrialisation was moving towards practical commercial applications.
It said Namibia could draw on its renewable energy resources, Atlantic coastline and port infrastructure to become a producer and supplier of green hydrogen and ammonia.
However, the economic benefits will depend on whether planned projects reach commercial operation and generate jobs, investment and opportunities for Namibian businesses.
