Cleanergy Solutions and its joint venture partner, CMB.TECH are planning to construct an ammonia terminal at the Walvis Bay port area in the Erongo Region as part of Namibia’s growing green hydrogen economy. The terminal is regarded as an essential component in the development of the country’s green ammonia industry, providing capacity for storage and export.
According to the Environmental Clearance Certificate application, the proposed ammonia terminal will consist of a 40,000 metric ton storage tank with associated export facilities, a nitrogen generation unit, an instrument air unit, fire and service water tanks with pumps, an emergency diesel generator, and a wastewater treatment unit.
The facility will be linked to the hydrogen production plant via a dedicated ammonia pipeline to transfer liquid ammonia for storage and later export through the jetty at Walvis Bay North Port.
During the first five years of operations, the proponent is also considering the option of importing ammonia.
Cleanergy Solutions Namibia (Pty) Ltd, the project’s applicant, is a joint venture between the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and CMB, a company based in Belgium.TECH.
The partners are already constructing Namibia’s first hydrogen production and refuelling plant in Walvis Bay, with first production expected at the beginning of 2025.
The ammonia terminal will provide the following link in this chain, ensuring Namibia has the infrastructure to handle and export green ammonia at scale.
CMB.TECH, a Belgium-based company and part of Compagnie Maritime Belge, founded in 1895, specialises in the design, construction and operation of marine and industrial transport systems powered by hydrogen and ammonia.
Its collaboration with O&L has positioned Cleanergy Solutions Namibia at the forefront of efforts to drive Namibia’s hydrogen economy while contributing to global decarbonisation.
The site for the ammonia terminal is located within the North Port of Walvis Bay, accessible via the B2 road between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, and is aligned with the overall port development master plan. Cleanergy Solutions Namibia and CMB.TECH Namibia have secured an option agreement from Namport to lease a portion of land in this area.
During the construction phase of the project, approximately 700 temporary positions for semi-skilled and unskilled labourers could be generated, benefiting the local and regional community.
It is expected that local labour will be employed for the basic construction of the double-wall full containment ammonia storage tank and associated facilities, as set out in the Draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of December 2024.
The impact is described as beneficial, direct and partly reversible due to the short duration of the construction period, which is less than five years.
The possibility of these jobs materialising is definite, as workers will be required for the project to proceed.
The magnitude of change is considered minor due to the temporary nature of the positions, but improvements to the livelihoods of members of the Erongo Region are anticipated.
The sensitivity of the impact is expected to be medium due to its regional scale, and the overall significance is classified as moderately beneficial.
In addition to direct employment, the Ammonia Terminal project is anticipated to create indirect employment opportunities throughout its construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning phases.
Collaborating with service providers and short-term contractors will generate opportunities for indirect jobs across the Erongo Region and potentially at a national level.
During construction, contractors, subcontractors, and general workers will be needed. During operations, compliance checks, quality inspections, and both planned and ad hoc maintenance will also create demand for services. Certain expertise and services will be outsourced, generating further employment and skills development that will benefit other organisations.
Local or national suppliers may be used for non-specialised equipment and machinery, while specialist supplies will likely need to be imported.
The project is positioned as a pilot in its initial phase, designed to test the market, establish skills and standards, and prepare Namibia for growth in hydrogen and ammonia exports.
By creating infrastructure for handling, storing and exporting ammonia, the terminal will complement the hydrogen production facilities already under construction and anchor the country’s entry into the global green ammonia industry.
