UN/LOCODE: NALUD📍 Namibia
Port of Luderitz (UN/LOCODE NALUD)
❖ Coordinates: -26.6500°N, 15.1700°E
❖ Time Zone: Africa/Windhoek
❖ UN/LOCODE: NALUD
## About the Port
The **Port of Lüderitz** (UN/LOCODE: **NALUD**) is Namibia’s second‑largest deep‑water port, situated on the Atlantic coast of the southern Kunene Region (formerly known as the Karas Region). The port’s geographic position at **15.17° E, 26.65° S** places it roughly 770 km south of the capital Windhoek and 350 nm west of the South African border. Operating on **Africa/Windhoek** timezone (UTC +2), Lüderitz benefits from a natural harbor shielded from prevailing southeasterly winds, with a maximum berthing depth of **‑14.5 m** (mean low water).
Managed by the **Namibia Ports Authority (NPA)**, Lüderitz serves both domestic and international shipping lanes, handling a mixture of dry bulk, general cargo, and limited containerized goods. The port is classified as a **Class II** facility by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), reflecting its capacity to accommodate vessels up to **180 000 GT**.
Official Port of Lüderitz webpage – NPA↗
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## History
Lüderitz began as a modest fishing settlement in the late 19th century. In **1883**, German merchant **Adolf Lüderitz** acquired the coastal region from the Herero people, establishing a trading outpost that quickly became a strategic hub for the German Empire’s expansion into South‑West Africa. The settlement was renamed **Lüderitz** in 1887, and the following year the German colonial administration designated it as an official port, constructing the first jetty to support the export of **diamond‑bearing kimberlite** and **copper** ores.
During World War I, Lüderitz was captured by South African forces in 1915, ending German colonial rule and placing the port under South African administration until Namibia’s independence in 1990. Post‑independence, the NPA modernized the harbor, adding deep‑water berths and cargo handling equipment to diversify beyond its historic mineral focus. The port’s centennial celebrations in 1983 highlighted its role as a linchpin of Namibia’s maritime trade, a status it retains today.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths & Depths
- **Berth 1** (General cargo): concrete‑lined, 210 m length, 14.5 m depth.
- **Berth 2** (Bulk bulkers): 250 m length, 13.0 m depth, equipped with loading chutes for phosphates.
Both berths are fitted with **strand jacks**, **crane pads**, and **shore power** installations to support modern vessel operations.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
- **Mobile harbor cranes**: two 50 t capacity units capable of handling containers and break bulk.
- **Belt conveyors**: integrated with the adjacent **RailNet** line for seamless multimodal transport.
- **Container terminal**: a 5 000 TEU capacity zone, primarily serving the **South Atlantic** trade lane.
### Modal Connectivity
- **Rail link**: Directly connects to the **Namport‑Lüderitz Railway**, providing access to inland mines (e.g., the **Tsumeb** copper mine) and the **Trans‑Kalahari Corridor**.
- **Road network**: The **B1 national highway** runs 120 km to the **A3** arterial road, linking the port to **Windhoek** and the **South African freight hub** of **Garies**.
- **Air support**: The nearby **Lüderitz Airport** (LAD) offers limited domestic cargo flights, primarily for perishable goods.
The port’s **environmental compliance** is overseen by the **Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism**, with ongoing projects to upgrade wastewater treatment and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with IAPH’s sustainability benchmarks.
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## Economic Importance
Lüderitz contributes **approximately 2.3 %** to Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through its freight revenue, making it a vital economic engine for the **Karas** Region, which otherwise relies heavily on mining and tourism. The port directly employs **around 850** staff, with an estimated **2,500** indirect jobs generated in ancillary services such as warehousing, logistics, and ship‑chandling.
The facility’s **deep‑water access** reduces vessel waiting times, offering a **cost advantage** for bulk commodity exporters compared to neighboring ports with shallower drafts. This efficiency has attracted **major mining conglomerates** (e.g., **Anglo American** and **De Beers**), which ship **pharmaceutical‑grade phosphates** and **iron ore** through Lüderitz, bolstering Namibia’s position as a **key supplier** within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
From a fiscal perspective, port tariffs and related duties accounted for **roughly 12 %** of Namibia’s total customs revenue in 2022, underscoring Lüderitz’s role in national finance. Ongoing public‑private partnership discussions aim to expand the port’s **modal integration** with the **African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)**, positioning Lüderitz as a gateway for **intra‑African trade** and **linkage to Eurasian markets**.
World Bank Port Statistics – Namibia↗
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Shipping Lanes
- **South Atlantic Loop**: Connects Lüderitz with **Rotterdam**, **Antwerp**, and **Singapore**, a route favored for its **fuel‑efficient** mid‑ocean cruising.
- **West‑Coast Africa Corridor**: Links to **Lagos**, **Abidjan**, and **Durban**, facilitating the movement of **containerized consumer goods** and **automotive parts** to Southern Africa.
- **Trans‑Pacific Feeder**: Seasonal vessels from **Tokyo** and **Shanghai** call Lüderitz for **iron ore** shipments, leveraging the port’s deep berths.
### Major Cargo Types
| Commodity | Typical Vessel Size | Annual Volume (approx.) | Destination |
|-----------|--------------------|------------------------|------------|
| **Phosphate rock** | Handymax (30‑40 kt) | 3.5 Mt | Brazil, Japan, South Korea |
| **Iron ore** | Capesize (150‑200 kt) | 6 Mt | China, South Korea |
| **General cargo & containers** | Post‑Panamax (60‑80 kt) | 150 000 TEU | Johannesburg, Walvis Bay |
| **Perishable produce** | Reefers (5‑10 kt) | 12 kt | Windhoek, Swakopmund |
Seasonal patterns are driven by **monsoon cycles** and **diamond mining cycles**. The **southern hemisphere’s winter (June‑August)** typically sees a surge in **iron ore** shipments due to reduced rainfall and smoother sea conditions, while the **summer months** favor **phosphate** exports, as the deeper water drafts are optimal for bulk carriers.
The port’s **strategic location** also makes it a preferred **offshoot stop** for vessels transiting the **Atlantic‑Indian Ocean** gateway, providing **fuel and provisions** services that further enhance its commercial appeal.
Overall, Lüderitz remains a **critical maritime node** in Southern Africa, blending historical heritage with modern infrastructure to support Namibia’s export economy and its integration into global supply chains.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
NALUD
Country
Namibia
Province / Region
Karas
Latitude
-26.650000
Longitude
15.170000
Timezone
Africa/Windhoek
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Luderitz?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Luderitz is NALUD.
Where is Port of Luderitz located?
The Port of Luderitz is located in Namibia, Karas. Its coordinates are -26.6500°N, 15.1700°E.
What time zone is Port of Luderitz in?
Port of Luderitz operates in the Africa/Windhoek time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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