Namibian Ports Authority records an increase in Passenger Vessel calls
The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) recorded an impressive eighty-seven (87) percent increase in passenger vessel calls for 2022/2023 in comparison to the 2021/2022 financial year. The increase in passenger vessels is attributed to the maritime industry’s positive strides towards recovery from the recent pandemic that had negatively impacted holidaymakers’ travelling due to the restrictions imposed worldwide from 2019 until 2022.
To add to the number of vessel calls, the Ports Authority yesterday, 16 April 2023 welcomed the Silver Shadow Nassau Passenger vessel on its maiden voyage at the Port of Walvis Bay. The recently renovated vessel that entered service in the year 2000, operated by Silversea Cruises has a carrying capacity of 382 passengers, and 295 crew members. A plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard the vessel between Namport’s Port Captain, Lukas Kufuna and the ship’s Captain Michele Macarone Palmieri to commemorate the maiden call. Speaking during the ceremony, Captain Palmieri has been on a prior visit to the Port of Walvis Bay sailing another vessel said, “The construction of the Passenger berth at the Port of Walvis Bay is a welcomed addition to the already exceptional existing infrastructure of the Ports Authority and further added in particular, Walvis Bay remains a preferred tourist destination due to its beautiful landscapes.”
Over three hundred (300) passengers disembarked the passenger vessel to participate in day tours that included shopping, quad biking activities in the dunes, drives to Sandwich Harbor, and local excursions, to mention only a few. Silver Shadow’s next port of call will be Angola when she departs later today, 17 April 2023.
SOURCE: Namport
