Tridock Shipyard Namibia (Pty) Ltd has unveiled plans for a cutting-edge drydock facility at Walvis Bay, projected to cost $728 million.
The facility, expected to generate an initial annual revenue of US$150 million (N$2.7 billion), aims to double this revenue within three years of operation, according to a recent report in Mining & Energy.
The project will create approximately 1,000 direct jobs, along with a range of downstream employment opportunities, as detailed in a document seen by the publication.
“As the largest drydock shipyard on Africa’s West Coast, this facility will offer unmatched capabilities, drawing clients from around the globe and establishing itself as a prime hub for regional maritime operations,” the document highlights.
The drydock, set to occupy a 65-hectare site, will accommodate vessels up to 300 meters long and 50 meters wide, operating 24/7.
It will also service offshore oil rigs, dredgers, and substantial offshore mining vessels, many of which currently travel to South Africa for major repairs.
Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in 2026, with commissioning anticipated by 2031. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for the project are underway.
The project follows a 2023 market study that assessed vessel traffic along Africa’s southwestern coast. The study identified an annual repair potential of 188 vessels, including 85 commercial fleet vessels under 200 meters long and 91 vessels ranging from 200 to 300 meters.
