Grindrod Limited, a JSE-listed freight and logistics company, proudly celebrated the grand opening of its new warehouse facility in the Port of Walvis Bay. Strategically located near berths 7 and 8, the warehouse is designed for seamless cargo movement via conveyor and is fully compatible with rail and road transport systems.
Built on Grindrod’s existing 50,000 m² premises, the new weatherproof warehouse spans 4 000 m² and meets all Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) standards as outlined by the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport). This milestone marks a significant collaboration between Grindrod and Namport, aimed at enhancing the port’s operational efficiency and positioning Walvis Bay as a resilient and sustainable trade gateway.
Frans Visser, Operations Executive for Grindrod Logistics Africa, said, “Walvis Bay is ideally situated as a gateway to global markets, especially for cargo originating from the West Coast of Africa and neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).”
With a history spanning over fifty years in Walvis Bay, Grindrod has maintained its strong presence by offering integrated logistics solutions that enable efficient cargo flows. The new warehouse expands the company’s capabilities of cargo handling, clearing and forwarding, container logistics, stevedoring, ships agency services, and terminal operations – delivering end-to-end solutions tailored to customer needs.
Looking ahead, Grindrod is exploring further expansion in the region, guided by market demand. “We anticipate further investment into our port facility in the coming years. We intend to collaborate with state-owned entities to develop cost-effective and efficient logistics solutions,” added Visser.
Infrastructure is only part of the equation, according to Visser. “We aim to employ up to one hundred employees across all competency levels and to equip the local talent with the right skills to manage bulk shipments.” Aligned with Grindrod’s values of sustainability and community empowerment, the company is committed to investing in local workforce development. Visser added, “This type of community development is essential for long-term success.”
Andrew Sturrock, CEO of Grindrod’s Logistics segment, emphasised the strategic importance of this investment, “Our continued infrastructure development in Walvis Bay reflects our commitment to growth and our purpose of making a positive difference in Africa’s trade with the world. We see this region evolving into a secure and efficient transit corridor.”
Grindrod’s purpose-driven strategy is rooted in understanding customer challenges and creating integrated, cost-effective, and efficient solutions. With a proven track record and strategic infrastructure investments, the company continues to deliver cargo from bustling cities to remote regions across Africa and beyond.
Grindrod is a global logistics and freight services company headquartered in South Africa, operating across 21 countries. Recent strategic moves include acquiring full ownership of the Matola terminal in Mozambique and the award of a 25-year concession for building and operating a container terminal in the Port of Richards Bay.
