Crane operators graduate

One of a kind operators
Leandrea Louw
Walvis Bay • Leandrea Louw


Thirty-two employees of the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) in Walvis Bay were trained to operate four new Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, graduated today.
The STS cranes were acquired by Namport at N$440 million to assist with operations inside the new container terminal built on reclaimed land. Training took place from April to August and was provided by Liebherr Africa.
Another notable achievement is that the single female participant, Priscilla Damases, also graduated, making her the first woman to operate an STS crane in Namibia.
Acting Namport Chief Executive Kavin Harry, said that with the acquisition of the new cranes, the challenge was who would operate them. “We made the decision to train 32 of our employees through Liebherr Africa. They were subjected to both practical and theoretical training on the STS cranes. At the end, expert examiners assessed them and certified them as competent to operate the cranes.”
Namport invested over N$9 million in the training process. This included the rental of the simulator used during training before the trainees were exposed to training on the actual cranes. Harry said that this was a worthwhile investment that already began bearing fruit within two months of commissioning.
“The improved productivity levels resulted in shorter turnaround times of vessels calling at the port. We are beginning to receive positive feedback on our improved efficiencies and turnaround times from port users, in particular the shipping lines. While it is too early to celebrate these positive developments, the feedback is encouraging and we hope to sustain and build on this momentum.”
Harry said that through the STS cranes, Namport recorded 26 moves per hour thus far. “We envisage increasing this to 30 moves per hour in the not too distant future.”
He commended the graduates for their dedication. “This is certainly no mean achievement, as training was compressed into only six months. We are so proud that you passed with flying colours. Your level of commitment and excitement was so high that I understand some of you would visit the simulator over the weekends just to sharpen your skills.
“We have sourced mentors and coaches to continue supporting you to reach the aim of 30 consistent moves per hour. Our plan is to send our technical trainers to other institutions for more training, to continue building where the coaches and mentors ended.”