The Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) has welcomed the first passenger vessel at the Walvis Bay port since resuming passenger vessel services at both ports in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.

This follows a suspension of over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MS Europa docked at the port on Thursday for two days before sailing off to the port of Lüderitz.

The vessel which is an 11 decker with a length of 199 metres, has a capacity of 408 passengers and 275 crew members.

The vessel is expected to return to the port of Walvis Bay on 05 December.

In a media statement issued on Thursday, Namport stated that the decision to resume passenger vessel services at its ports comes after it assessed the situation locally and globally and in consultation with its stakeholders such as the health and immigration authorities.

“Namport is confident that the measures put in place are adequate and will be able to give our visitors a safe and enjoyable Namibian experience.

As an entity, our first responsibility lies with ensuring the safety of our workforce, port users and the Namibian community at large,” the statement noted.

The captain of the vessel, Dag Dverjasteim expressed excitement and gratitude to be back in Namibia since the last time it came.

“It feels very good to be back in Namibia after almost two years without passengers and we are very appreciative that Namibia has opened its ports to us,” he noted.

He added that all the passengers and crew members on the vessel have been fully vaccinated and COVID-19 tests are done after every two days as extra precaution.

Two more passenger liners, the MSC Lirica and Norwegian Jade are expected to dock at the port this month.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency