NAWVB Port Code Lookup
Total 1 ports of NAWVB
Walvis Bay Port is the major seaport of Walvis bay, in the city of Walvis bayin Namibia. Overseas routes include Africa, Port code is NAWVB.
Walvis Bay Port, Namibia
Walvis Bay is Namibia’s principal commercial seaport on the Atlantic coast and is operated by Namibian Ports Authority (Namport). The sheltered bay provides access to international maritime trade routes and supports containerised, breakbulk and other general-cargo movements. The port is strategically positioned for Namibia’s coastal market and for road-connected cargo flows toward inland Southern African destinations. The supplied port data identifies a 5.2-nautical-mile entrance channel, a channel width of 134 metres and a charted depth of −14 metres CD; these parameters should be reconfirmed with the port or carrier before fixing a vessel call. Pilotage is compulsory, and pilot arrangements are handled through the Port Captain before arrival.
| Port code | NAWVB |
|---|---|
| Location | Walvis Bay, Namibia · approximately 22.940° S, 14.502° E |
| Port type | Seaport / sheltered Atlantic commercial port |
| Operator | Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) |
Key Highlights
Facilities & Services
- Container handling: Our service team can arrange container bookings, terminal coordination and release follow-up; equipment, yard and cutoff details must be confirmed for each sailing.
- General and breakbulk cargo: Suitable planning is required for steel, machinery, vehicles, oversized units and other non-containerised cargo. Confirm lifting, lashing, berth and storage requirements before booking.
- Anchorage and pilotage: The port is sheltered by the bay and pilotage is compulsory. Vessel agents should submit arrival and pilot requirements within the port’s stated notice window.
- Storage and inspection planning: Availability of reefer plugs, bonded storage, open yard space and inspection arrangements should be checked against the actual terminal and cargo profile.
- Inland connection: Road planning is central to Namibia-bound delivery. For oversized or heavy cargo, our team will verify route permits, axle restrictions, escort needs and delivery-site access.
Routes & Transit Times
- Common planning patterns include Atlantic feeder or mainline connections, transshipment through regional hub ports, and onward delivery by road into Namibia and neighbouring Southern African markets.
- Transit time depends on origin, transshipment arrangement, vessel rotation, equipment availability, port omission or congestion, customs release and inland distance. Our service team provides the applicable carrier schedule rather than a generic port estimate.
- For project and breakbulk shipments, berth availability, vessel nomination, cargo readiness, lifting plans and weather conditions can materially change the schedule.
- Shippers should request both a port-to-port option and an end-to-end option, because a lower ocean rate may not represent the lowest landed logistics cost after transshipment and inland delivery.
Hinterland & Key Cargo
- Primary market: Namibia, with road-linked distribution toward inland commercial and industrial locations where route feasibility and border formalities permit.
- Typical container cargo: Consumer goods, manufactured products, machinery, building materials, packaged commodities and temperature-sensitive cargo, subject to equipment availability.
- Project and industrial cargo: Mining-related inputs, energy equipment, plant components, vehicles and oversized machinery may require breakbulk, flat-rack or special-equipment planning.
- Bulk and general cargo: Mineral-related, agricultural, fishing and industrial cargo may move through different handling chains; commodity-specific permits and inspection requirements should be reviewed before dispatch.
Operations & Compliance
- Cutoffs: Vessel, terminal, documentation and VGM cutoffs vary by carrier and sailing. Our service team will obtain the confirmed deadlines; cargo should not be planned against an indicative schedule.
- Dangerous goods: Submit the correct UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, flash point where applicable, package details and emergency contact before booking. Acceptance is subject to carrier and terminal approval.
- Documents: Check the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading instructions, certificate of origin, import permits and any commodity-specific certificates. Consignee and notify-party data must match the customs filing.
- Customs and inland delivery: Customs examination, port release, duties, inspections and road permits can affect delivery. Keep cargo descriptions, HS classifications, weights and dimensions consistent across all documents.
Shipping Tips
- Send the full cargo profile early: commodity, HS code, packages, gross weight, dimensions, stackability, temperature range and dangerous-goods status. This allows our team to compare container, special-equipment and breakbulk solutions.
- For heavy or oversized units, obtain route and delivery-site information before vessel booking. Confirm crane access, turning radius, bridge and axle constraints, permits and unloading equipment.
- Build schedule contingency for transshipment, customs inspection and inland delivery. Where cargo is time-critical, request alternative routing and equipment options before the booking is confirmed.
- Use seaworthy export packing, moisture protection and clearly visible marks. Photograph cargo condition and packing before gate-in, especially for machinery, steel and project shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pilotage required for vessels calling at Walvis Bay?
Yes. The supplied port information identifies Walvis Bay as a compulsory pilotage area. Our service team will coordinate with the appointed vessel agent and confirm the Port Captain’s notice and arrival requirements.
Can Walvis Bay handle cargo other than containers?
Yes, the port serves commercial cargo beyond standard containers, including general and breakbulk movements. Final acceptance depends on cargo dimensions, weight, handling method, berth or storage availability and the nominated operator.
Should shippers expect direct service from every origin?
No. Service structure depends on the carrier’s current network. Many origins may require a regional transshipment connection. We will check the actual rotation, connection risk, equipment position and cutoffs for the requested shipment.
What information is needed for a heavy or oversized shipment?
Provide the packing dimensions, gross and lifting weights, centre of gravity, lifting points, drawings, cargo value, delivery address and unloading conditions. Our team can then assess equipment, permits, road access and a suitable port handling plan.
Are the channel depth and dimensions suitable for every vessel?
No. The supplied figures are port reference data, not a blanket acceptance guarantee. Vessel size, draft, tide, under-keel clearance, weather and current navigation instructions must be confirmed with Namport or the vessel agent before arrival.
Data Sources & Provenance
Port code, port name, country, city, coordinates, operator reference, channel figures and compulsory-pilotage statement are based on the supplied NAWVB port record. Current vessel acceptance, nautical limits, terminal procedures, cargo restrictions, schedules and cutoffs require confirmation for the specific shipment.
For official port information and current operational verification, consult namport.com.na. Our platform uses the official port reference together with carrier, agent and shipment-specific confirmations; indicative logistics guidance is not a substitute for a current terminal, carrier, customs or port instruction.
Last reviewed for content structure: 14 October 2026. Operational details remain subject to change and should be reconfirmed before booking or vessel arrival.