As the national rail services operator in Namibia, TransNamib is leading the development of the country’s railway infrastructure through two major expansion projects – the Trans Zambezi and Trans-Kalahari Railway Extensions – as well as upgrading existing lines to transport larger volumes of cargo and ensure timely delivery. Energy Capital & Power spoke with Webster Gonzo, CEO of TransNamib, about the company’s efforts to support upcoming energy and mining activities and transform Namibia into a major logistics hub within the SADC region.
What recent developments has TransNamib made in modernizing Namibia’s rail infrastructure?
TransNamib is excited about the recently completed extensive rail rehabilitations on the line stretching from Walvis Bay to Kranzberg. The plan is to further extend the project in phases from Kranzberg to Otjiwarongo, and then onwards to Tsumeb and Grootfontein. This project has been facilitated through the Ministry of Works and Transport, which owns the infrastructure, while TransNamib is the only rail operator on the line. We are thrilled about this development as it allows us to increase the cargo capacity on our busiest and most important route. In certain sections of the rehabilitation, we will be able to double the speed. Ensuring timely delivery and the ability to transport larger volumes of cargo to and from the coast and the hinterland is of utmost importance to us. One of our strategic objectives as a country is to become the logistics hub of the entire SADC region. We have one of the best ports in the world that is known for its exceptional efficiency. As a bulk carrier on rail, our goal is to ensure a seamless process of delivering cargo to the country’s port of Walvis Bay and onwards to global destinations.
Are there any railway expansion projects in the works?
We currently possess one of the largest rail networks on the continent, spanning over 2,600 kilometers. Unfortunately, a significant portion is not in optimal condition. As a result, our primary focus is to upgrade the infrastructure to meet the required standards. This will enable us to handle heavier loads, thereby increasing our capacity to transport more cargo from pit to port and strengthen our position within the logistics sector. The expansion of our rail network is primarily envisioned through the Trans-Kalahari Railway line. This line will run eastward from here towards Gobabis, reaching the border of Botswana and providing a crucial international connection. In Gobabis, we are creating a logistics hub as an inland port to efficiently handle the incoming cargo. We also have another exciting prospect – the Trans Zambezi line – which will span Grootfontein to Rundu, Katima Mulilo, and ultimately reach the Zambian border. The border connects into Zambia, the DRC, Botswana, Zimbabwe and other African countries. Our vision is to ensure that cargo from these countries is transported via either the Trans-Zambezi line or the Trans-Kalahari line.
How do you envision TransNamib supporting Namibia’s energy sector-led growth?
Our goal is to become the logistics partner of choice that enables the seamless flow of resources from the port to the designated locations, whether it’s oil fields or any other new industry-related sites. From the initial greenfield processes to the execution of the plant, we aim to play a vital role in ensuring the transportation of everything necessary for extractive industries’ operations. We are actively engaging with mining companies that require railheads for their projects. We are also the logistics partner for the hydrogen energy project, which includes a green train at the core of its operations. We are currently in discussions with Hyphen Energy and other stakeholders to ensure our integral role in this comprehensive process.
To what extent can hydrogen development help decarbonize the transport and logistics sector?
Through partnerships with Hyphen Energy and other key players, we aim to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this industry. Our ambition extends beyond Africa’s first hydrogen-powered locomotive – we aspire to have the world’s first intellectual property in this technology. We will provide at least one locomotive to be refitted as a hydrogen or dual-fuel train, utilizing both hydrogen and fossil fuel for operation. Obtaining intellectual property rights will enable us to potentially retrofit our entire fleet in the future. By spearheading the creation of hydrogen-based energy locally, we align our actions with economic viability and the promotion of sustainable practices. We eagerly anticipate the prospect of transitioning towards green energy and are excited about the possibilities for the future that this new energy holds for TransNamib and the country as a whole.
Energy Capital & Power is a strategic partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) – taking place in Windhoek on April 23-25, 2024. The 6th annual conference unites industry leaders, business executives and policymakers to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, create new partnerships and identify strategies to foster a prosperous energy industry in Namibia and beyond. For more information, please visit https://www.nieconference.com/
