Walvis Bay Corridor Group seeks logistics partner

Bidders invited to submit credentials JOY ORLEK IN LINE with ongoing efforts to develop the Trans Kalahari Corridor as a state-of-the-art intermodal transport and logistics system, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) is looking for a partner to develop the full potential of the express service to and from Walvis Bay. The goal of the WBCG is to build a transport and logistics system capable of a 2-day premium service to and from Gauteng/Gaborone and a 3-4 day standard service from ship’s call. The proposed partner would develop customised transport and logistics service packages for new customers. These would use block trains on TransNamib and a fast truck shuttle service capable of maximum truck utilisation to contain costs and achieve greater reliability. The successful bidder would also need to ensure effective operation of services, particularly the interface between modes, and to develop a web portal communication system among the transport operators with track and trace capability for customers. While the company will be charged with attracting specific anchor customers to the route, the WBCG sees plenty of benefits for the incumbent. “It will be partnering with transport providers already committed to the development of a new, coordinated service and to making the investment required," a spokesman told FTW. The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and TransNamib Holding have pledged their commitment to working with the logistics management company selected following the international bidding process. Interested parties are invited to submit their credentials to the WBCG and short-listed companies can expect to receive bidding packages by early April this year.