The Namibian Ports Authority has rejected a proposal by a Ghanaian-led consortium to develop an N$4-billion (about US$244 million) oil and gas supply base at the Port of Lüderitz, dealing a setback to the company’s expansion plans in Namibia’s emerging offshore energy industry.

According to local media outlet The Namibian, the project, led by Alpha Nautical Services Limited, also known as Anol, was designed to support offshore exploration, production and logistics as Namibia expands infrastructure for its emerging petroleum industry.

However, Namport concluded that Anol had not demonstrated the financial strength, technical expertise, delivery capacity and operational experience needed to develop and manage the facility.

The project is a partnership between Namport and the Namibia Industrial Development Agency, which Namibia’s Cabinet tasked in 2025 with finding a private developer for a 25-year design, build, own, operate and transfer concession.

Namport chief executive Andrew Kanime said the authority based its assessment on documents submitted by Anol.