The Port of Namibe in southern Angola has received four new harbour vessels to enhance operations at its container terminal and the nearby Saco Mar Mineral Port.
The new fleet includes two ASD 2813 tugboats, a Stan Pilot 1905 pilot boat, and a Pushy Cat 1004 workboat. They were delivered under the Moçamedes Bay Integrated Project, which focuses on modernising maritime infrastructure in Angola’s south.
This acquisition follows a financing partnership between the Angolan government and Japan. Damen Shipyards Group and Toyota Tsusho Corporation managed the construction and delivery after the contract was signed with Damen in mid-2024. The vessels are built for demanding port and coastal operations.
At the handover ceremony, Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu highlighted the role of strong maritime infrastructure in lowering logistics costs and supporting Angola’s development goals.
He explained that the new vessels will boost the country’s import and export capacity, especially for mineral shipments and container trade.
Provincial governor Archer Mangueira agreed, noting that the port’s growth will drive development across southern Angola by enabling new business opportunities and services.
The ceremony brought together senior officials from the transport, defence, and security sectors, as well as local community and religious leaders.
Situated on the Atlantic coast near Moçamedes, the Port of Namibe is Angola’s third-largest seaport and a key hub for southern logistics.
It handles containers, bulk minerals, and general cargo and is emerging as a strong regional competitor to Namibia’s Port of Walvis Bay.
The Moçamedes Bay Integrated Project includes dredging, infrastructure upgrades, and terminal expansion to position Namibe as a gateway for trade in southern and eastern Angola.
The arrival of the new harbour craft will enhance the port’s towage, pilotage, and vessel-handling operations, improving safety and efficiency as activity continues to grow.
source:africaports.co.za
