News

The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has issued a circular introducing new access, movement, safety, and security requirements across Namibian ports, which took effect on 1 November 2026.

These new rules introduce significant changes for port users, employers, agents, contractors, and crew members operating within port facilities such as Walvis Bay and Lüderitz:

• Walking anywhere within the port – including between terminal areas, from the entrance gate to work sites, or for crew members going ashore – is strictly prohibited. Port users must arrange suitable transport for all employees, representatives, contractors, and visitors from the entrance gate to their authorized destinations.

• Unauthorized vehicles are barred from the quayside. All vehicles operating within terminal or quayside areas must feature a functioning, constantly switched-on rotating orange warning light.

• Agents facilitating the collection of vehicles from car terminals must ensure collectors are transported from the gate, accompanied by an authorized representative, and properly escorted or transported out afterward. Walking from the gate to the car terminals is no longer permitted.

• Personnel entering or remaining within the quayside must wear prescribed personal protective equipment. Furthermore, all workers must wear appropriate company uniforms or clearly identifiable workwear displaying their employer’s name.

• Namport has emphasized that there are no exceptions or grace periods. Non-compliance can lead to immediate refusal of entry, removal from premises, or suspension of port access permits, with employers held fully accountable for their personnel.

Information provided by Budd Namibia (budd.namibia@budd-pni.com)