DP World has inaugurated a cutting-edge temperature-controlled distribution facility in Walvis Bay, marking a significant milestone in Namibia’s cold chain infrastructure development. The N$39 million investment underscores the global logistics giant’s commitment to bolstering trade efficiency and stimulating economic growth in the region, particularly as demand for reliable food service supply along Namibia’s coast continues to surge. Located within Deep Catch Namibia’s Atlantic Commercial Cold Store (ACCS) premises, the new facility—equipped with 720 pallet spaces—is set to expand storage and operational capacity by 50%, addressing critical gaps in cold chain logistics while supporting the expansion of Seapride Foods Coastal, a key player in the regional food distribution sector.
The facility’s launch aligns with DP World’s broader strategy to strengthen its Market Access Consumer capabilities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Bruce Denyer, Executive Vice President of Market Access Consumer for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the strategic importance of Namibia’s evolving economic landscape. “This investment reflects our confidence in Namibia’s potential, particularly amid the region’s economic growth driven by tourism, mining exports, container traffic, oil exploration, and future hydrogen fuel projects,” he said. Denyer highlighted Walvis Bay’s role as a logistical hub, noting that enhancing cold chain infrastructure is essential to meet both current and future demands as these sectors expand.
Seapride Foods Coastal, now housed within the new facility, has undergone a remarkable transformation since its founding in 1992. Starting as a small seafood supplier, it has grown into a regional distributor serving Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa, supplying meats, seafood, frozen foods, beverages, and specialty products to hotels, restaurants, caterers, and retailers. Acquired by Deep Catch Namibia Holdings, a wholly-owned DP World entity, in 2013, Seapride’s rapid growth exposed operational bottlenecks, particularly in storage capacity. Christoph Kubirske, Managing Director of Deep Catch Holdings, explained that the company’s expansion had strained existing infrastructure, requiring the use of eight additional reefer containers. These temporary solutions not only increased costs but also overwhelmed local electrical systems. “The new facility eliminates these challenges,” Kubirske said. “By leveraging ACCS’s space, we’ve created a sustainable solution that enhances service quality and scalability.”
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to optimize energy efficiency and product integrity, ensuring perishable goods remain fresh throughout the supply chain. Its advanced temperature control systems and expanded storage space are expected to reduce waste, lower operational costs, and improve delivery timelines—a critical advantage for clients in the hospitality and retail sectors, where consistency and reliability are paramount. The addition of a modern office complex further streamlines administrative and logistical coordination, enabling Seapride to manage its operations more effectively.
DP World’s investment arrives at a pivotal moment for Namibia’s economy. The country has seen increased foreign interest in sectors like offshore oil exploration and green hydrogen production, positioning Walvis Bay as a strategic gateway for regional and international trade. Improved cold chain capabilities will not only support existing industries but also attract new agribusiness investments, fostering job creation and skills development. Denyer noted that the facility’s impact extends beyond immediate commercial benefits, contributing to long-term food security by reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring stable supply chains amid climate-related disruptions.
Local stakeholders have welcomed the project, citing its potential to alleviate pressure on municipal infrastructure while stimulating ancillary industries. The shift from decentralized reefer containers to a centralized cold storage hub is expected to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs, easing the burden on Walvis Bay’s power grid. Moreover, the facility’s capacity to handle diverse products—from frozen meats to specialty desserts—positions Namibia as a competitive supplier in regional markets, particularly as cross-border trade within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) gains momentum.
Looking ahead, DP World plans to continue leveraging its global expertise to identify synergies between logistics infrastructure and emerging economic opportunities in Namibia. Denyer reiterated the company’s long-term vision, stating, “This facility is more than a storage space—it’s a catalyst for innovation and resilience in Namibia’s supply chains.” He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of DP World’s team, clients, and partners in bringing the project to fruition, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital to navigating the complexities of modern trade.
As Seapride Foods Coastal prepares to capitalize on its enhanced capabilities, the ripple effects of DP World’s investment are poised to strengthen Namibia’s position as a logistics leader in Southern Africa. By addressing critical infrastructure gaps and aligning with national economic priorities, the Walvis Bay facility exemplifies how strategic private-sector investments can drive sustainable development, ensuring that growth benefits both businesses and communities alike. With the region’s economic prospects brightening, the expansion of Namibia’s cold chain infrastructure marks a forward-looking step in building a more connected and resilient African trade network.