Coastal News
2-Weeks ceasefire reached with Iran - but will that end Namibia's fuel price woes?
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
By Floris Steenkamp
Namibians woke to the news this morning that the mass bombing of Iranian bridges and electricity generation installations has been suspended after a two weeks ceasefire was reached between the United States and Iran. As part of the ceasefire the Strait of Hormuz has been opened for the duration of the two weeks to allow for some 800 vessels to exit the Persian Gulf and for others to enter the Gulf.
In the picture above (source: The Times) a crude oil tanker is seen in the Strait of Hormuz well before the Iranian war began and the de facto rulers of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) strictly enforcing who enters the Strait and who exits.
In the run-up to the conflict between Iran and the US-Israeli that commenced on 28 March 2026, Iran closed the Strait and almost immediately resulted in a global fuel crisis.
Namibia is not existing in isolation and locally fuel prices spiked with N$2,50 for petrol and N$4 per liter for diesel. Coastal residents in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Henties Bay are feeling the pinch firstly by the direct impact on household finances, but industries are struggling with the supply of raw materials from suppliers in South Africa and Asia and also crippling transport price increases from transporters in South Africa supplying the Namibian market.
A two weeks ceasefire is a step in the right direction, one would correctly argue. However, for now treat it as a step in the direction and not a magic wand that will end Namibia's fuel woes in a matter of days or even the next month. Let us briefly look into the variables at play:
a) If comparing Namibia's monthly fuel consumption to other African countries and the rest of the world it is so minute it simply does not feature. As a result it takes around six weeks for any global event, positive or negative, to influence Namibian fuel prices. Namibia buys its fuel on the spot market which in essence means we buy where we get the best price and where we get the best deal taking into consideration the strength of the US-dollar at that specific point in time and delivery turnarounds.
b) The opening of the Strait a few hours ago meant some 800 crude oil carriers either leaves the Persian Gulf to supply global markets or empty tanker are waiting to enter the Strait to gain access to the oil supplies of oil producers in the Middle East - Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Quatar, Bahrain etc.
c) The opening of Hormuz according to figures verified through several news resources dropped the Brent oil bench marks by an immediate 15 % Brent hovers just over US$100 per barrel and West Texas just under US$100 per barrel. Ship insurers are also feeling less vulnerable, but ship insurance rates will stay high and even non-existing if certainty is not coming forth that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open and that no more hostilities are exerted from Iran.
d) Those who follow the news would know that Iran in the first days of the conflict bombed oil production facilities in all Gulf states and that has an adverse effect now. It will take months and weeks and even years in some instances to repair oil production infrastructure and that means the world will sit with a supply-demand challenges for many months to come. Once again that would continue to exert pressure on Namibia to buy fuel on spot markets sufficient to bring local fuel prices down to pre-1 April 2026 levels.
In conclusion: Hats off to the Namibian Government who continues to absorb fuel price hikes through the National Energy Fund to the tune of N$500 miillion per months for the months of April, May and June as this would certainly provide significant relief as the world's oil supply network gets back on its feet and get crude oil and fuel channels flowing normal again.
Lastly not least the next two weeks is critical. Should the ceasefire last, things will be returning to normal. Albeit not overnight. Should the peace deal not survive the next 2 weeks, the world finds itself in uncharted territory. What is also just logical is that the world's oil business remains cautiously optimistic and will not now jump into business head over heels.
Stay calm. Stay focused on the now and hold thumbs for the future!
Maintenance workers wash paint gear in the Walvis Bay lagoon - residents outraged!
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
By Floris Steenkamp
Residents of Walvis Bay are outraged by these two construction workers who washed their paint gear in the Walvis Bay lagoon this morning. They are working on a building site of a well-known lagoon-side property.
"How is this possible!". "The authorities need to take action!", residents who inundated The Atlantic Gazette with calls reacted.
Swakopmund clamps down on the usage of wheelie-bins for lawlessness in the streets
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
By Floris Steenkamp
The Swakopmund Municipality has embarked on an operation to confiscate refuse wheelie-bins from people using it other than what it is intended for. Vagrants and scrap metal scavengers are expected to be the target of this operation as the stealing of wheelie-bins as a mode of transport for personal belongings, or scrap to be sold to scrap dealers, are the order of the day.
Residents feel powerless as street dwellers hold communities hostage with their lawless behaviour, begging, loitering and possible involvement as "eyes and ears" for criminal syndicates among others targeting tourists with vehicle break-ins and robberies.
Refuse wheelie-bins are procured by homeowners for refuse collecton and it is placed on the pavement according to weekly refuse removal schedules. No other use is permitted. To cart your belongings or scrap metal or other items for peddling in a wheelie-bin you cannot prove documented ownership of, will result in the bin being confiscated. Should the content transported looks like it has been stolen somewhere, the involvemen of the Namibian Police is most likely, a source explained to The Atlantic Gazette.
For Swakopmund residents this operation is highly welcomed as residents are suffering the loss of wheelie-bins daily often having to replace it at a cost and having to endure discomfort in managing household waste collection until the bins are replaced.
The picture above: In Walvis Bay the problem is even worse. Hundreds of vagrants and scrap metal scavengers are flooding neighbourhoods daily on refuse collection days. They scavenge the bins for food scraps and anything of value to peddle but leave it in a mess afterwards.
It is a known fact that wheelie-bins in Walvis Bay too are stolen at a high rate and keeps a lucrative criminal enterprise going, and that at the expense of law abiding citizens.
Calls are made for the Municipality of Walvis Bay, The Namibian Police and Neighbourhood Watches to plan daily operations in areas where waste removals are scheduled. That is to confiscate wheelie-bins, do stop and searches (backpacks in particular which is often used to conceal stolen water taps, copper pipes, metal house numbers etc. in order to restore law and order. Simultaneous, loitering in town and illegal street vending also needs to be addressed as members of the public is of opinion many of these individuals are working (often forced to do so by criminal syndicates) to be lookouts near the banks to target individuals drawing large sums of cash, vehicle break-in syndicates etc. or act as lookouts in the vicinity of drug houses.
Trump-deadline for Iran to open Strait of Hormuz looming only hours away
Map Above: Iran (circle B) keeps the world hostage by keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed by seamines and missile threat.
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
By Floris Steenkamp
The world is on edge. The hours are ticking towards midnight tonight when a massive American bombing campaign commences of Iranian infrastructure in the form of bridges and power generation facilities across the country. As the clock is ticking, US President Donald Trump is adamant Iran's counter proposal, to a rejected peace proposal brokered through Pakistan, is "not good enough".
The Pakistani-brokered deal called for a 45-days ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel. Iran's regime rejected it and stated it has a counter proposal that makes provision for a permanent ceasefire, the lifting of sanctions, reconstruction suppor and guarantees around the Strait of Hormuz and regional security.
The key questions are: would the Iranian regime comply or would the US and possibly key-partner Israel make good of the threat of the bombing of key infrastructure which will also have a huge impact on the people of Iran who don't support the current Iranian repressive regime.
President Trump issued a new warning on Monday the bombing of bridges and power generation infrastructure will make rebuilding of Iran extremely complicated but in so many words said if that is the way it pans out, then that is the way.
The US and Iran launched its war on Iran on 28 February 2026. Both the US and Israel claim the objectives they want to firstly stop Iran from being a regional threat through proxy terror groups in the Middle East, Iran's pre-occupation with the destruction of the State of Israel and the constant threat to American interests in the Middle-East.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz as the war broke out, trapping shipping inside the Persian Gulf and locking out shipping wanting to enter the Persian Gulf. The movement of crude oil was the most affected and crude oil prices started to skyrocket. Globally, it causes fuel prices to spike, fuel reserves to run low and also cutting of the supply basis chemicals produced in the Gulf states to manufacture fertilizer for the global agriculture sector.
The War escalated beyond Iran's borders since March 28. Iran retaliated with numerous missile strikes on Israel and also strikes on Gulf states, specifically Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Quatar (Namibian diesel exports rely on Quatari exports). Further escallation took place when pro-Iran islamic terrorist groups infilrated Iran from Iraq and Pakistan to lend "assistance" to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corp (the Islamic regimes's de facto military wing and strongman to keep the regime in power by force).
Realising the situation, the US expanded its bombing campaign to also target these groups, apart from targeting Iran's top leadership, leadership and infrastructure of the Revolutionary Guard and Iran's feared missile defense system and nuclear bomb developing infrastructure.
The United States also took knocks in the form of military casualties, the loss of several military planes and damage to overseas bases in the Middle-East.
Humanitarian groups warn strikes on bridges power plants would worsen civilian suffering; experts caution that destroying energy infrastructure could trigger reciprocal attacks, and further threatening global energy flows. Namibians are not immune to these development events as the country already saw petrol prices increase with N$2,50 per liter on 1 April and Diesel with N$4 per liter. The domino effect to the economy has already shown in the form of more expensive commodity prices and imports, specifically from neighbouring South Africa where fuel prices jumped significantly.
Person identified whose remains washed ashore south of Swakopmund jetty. Most likely jetty suicide victim
By Floris Steenkamp
Swakopmund, Monday 6 April 2026
Breaking News: The identity has been released of the person whose mortal remains washed ashore south of the Swakopmund jetty this morning (Monday 6 April 2026). He is David Nikodemus (32).
Nikodemus was reported a missing person by relatives with The Namibian Police at Swakopmund over the Easter weekend.
Certain belongings a person left on the jetty after jumping into the sea from its structures on 31 March 2026 was positively identified by family members as that of the late Nikodemus when shown to by the Police at the time when they filed the missing persons report.
Body found of man who jumped off the Swakopmund jetty on 31 March 2026
By Floris Steenkamp
Swakopmund, Monday 6 April 2026
The body was found of the 32-year old man who jumped off the Swakopmund jetty on 31 March 2026 and went missing at sea. The man's body washed up ashore south of the jetty near the mouth of the Swakop River. Search teams were busy the past few days to search for the body on the northern shores of Swakopmund and beach areas north of the town as the sea current is dominantly north. The Atlantic Gazette will make information public as it is received from the authorities.
CMA CGM investigates branded container's use in seal culling scandal at Henties Bay
The international shipping and logistics operator CMA CGM is launching an investigation into how a refrigeration container bearing the company's insignia and corporate information counted among the containers used in the scandal at Henties Bay in November 2025 when hundreds of seals were culled at Torra Bay, only to be left to rot in a number of reefer containers at a spot some 4,5 km southeast of the town.
The Atlantic Gazette reported extensively on the incident and it was confirmed a newcomer seal processor at Henties Bay were responsible for the incident and was caught up in logistical problems to transport the seal carcasses from the point of harvesting to a processing facility at Arandis. The newcomer processor's processing plant in Henties Bay is not yet operational, and that prompted it to locate processing to Arandis, but it turned into a nightmare and an eventual embarrassment for Namibia as a country where seal harvesting and processing is still legal despite a worldwide outcry from animal rights groups.
CMA CGM upon learning from the incident and seeing footage depicting a container bearing the company's insignia launched an investigation. It concluded the container was sold, but the new owner neglected its contractual obligation to remove the insignia and all other information relating to CMA CGM.
In a statement CMA CGM said: "Our Group is aware of the video currently circulating and takes the matter seriously. Upon becoming aware of the situation, we promptly initiated on-site verifications in order to better understand the context in which the images were recorded.
Based on the information available to us at this stage, none of the containers shown in the video were being operated or used by our company at the time the footage was taken.
Our Group is committed to operating responsibly and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations wherever it operates, including with respect to environmental protection and biodiversity. We will continue to monitor the situation and assess any additional information as it becomes available."
Namibian hake fishery gets second certification from Marine Stewardship Counil
Namibia’s hake fishery is setting not only a national, but also an international example, of how cooperation among opposition fishing companies in the same sector and Government can achieve together what none of these stakeholders would have achieved each on their own.
Thanks to this cooperation the Namibian hake trawl and longline fishery is recognised by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as meeting globally recognised science-based standards for sustainable fishing.
What makes this so much more of an achievement is that it is the second time Namibia’s hake fishery achieved this accolade, having met the MSC’s standards in 2020 and now again in the second five years cycle. Namibia is the second country in Africa so far to achieve this world-standard twice in a row.
In laymen’s terms: Namibia’s main destination for hake exports is Europe, the United Kingdom and other high value markets. For business and consumers in these markets, sustainable fisheries in countries of origin are vital to ensure continuity of supply and to conserve natural resources for future generations.
For Namibia the benefits of cooperating with bodies such as the Marine Stewardship Council are sustainable fisheries for international business continuation and market growth into the future (competitive edge). When compliant with the Marine Stewardship Council Namibian hake products receive a certified ecolabel and it is reported Namibian hake found its way into new high value markets since the first MSC certification.
The Marine Stewardship Council remains one of the strongest global alignments for sustainable fisheries worldwide, and the Namibian Government, the Namibian Hake Association and the Marine Stewardship Council should be applauded for this strategic alignment for a better tomorrow for our planet.
In a press statement by the MSC, it quotes the Chairman of the Namibian Hake Association, Matti Amukwa: “Since Namibia’s Independence, Government, fisheries scientists and industry have worked together to rebuild the hake resource and create a profitable fishing industry. An industry that gives back to people and the environment. Achieving MSC certification, first in 2020 and now, has been a team effort and provides assurance to the world that we are committed to the sustainability of Namibian hake.”
Adding: “as part of the stock rebuilding plan, the fishery has implemented a clear harvest strategy with catch targets set in line with scientific advice. The MSC certified Namibian and South African hake trawl counterparts, targeting the same M. paradoxus stock, are required to collaborate and share information on their stock assessments.”
From the passage quoted above it is also clear that accountable fisheries management require steadfast cooperation among neighbouring countries sharing the same fish resources due to geographical location.
In addition, according to Amukwa, fisheries observers play a critical role in the Namibian fishing industry. That is both to monitor and record catching activities at sea and on land when catches are landed.
MSC’s Program Director for Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, Michael Marriott, congratulated the Namibian hake fishery on its recertification: “We applaud the Namibian Hake Association, the Ministry and their partners for securing their second MSC certificate.
What has been very positive in the case of Namibia is not only the stakeholder collaboration within the country, but also the cooperation with external experts and other stakeholders operating on the same resource. There is a drive to improve, to explore new technological innovations, and a commitment to safeguard the hake resource for the future.”
Kirsten Manasterny of Merlus Group, also a Namibian hake producer, added: “What I love about Namibia is the vast space and natural biodiversity. I also love the commitment by everyone to keep it that way, and I see MSC as a great role partner on this journey.”
Manasterny continues: “MSC certification has given Namibia hake a competitive edge, helping to meet the demand in existing markets as well as expand into new markets where retailers and brands preferentially stock MSC certified whitefish in line with consumer expectation.”
Miguel Angel Tordesillas of Novanam & Nueva Pescanova, also a Namibian hake producer, explained: “The fishing industry is very important to Namibia. Not only does it contribute roughly 7% to the Namibian GDP, it also employs in the region of 16,000 people in direct jobs, and indirectly, you could easily use a coefficient of three. Of this, the hake industry is the biggest constituency of the Namibian fishing industry.”
Mr. Tordesillas, who also serves on the MSC’s global Stakeholder Advisory Council, added: “I'm most proud of two things. First is the fact that we got recertified which means we are still meeting the high standards set by the MSC.
Secondly, the way in which the hake industry has put aside our natural competitiveness which allowed us to work together in ensuring continued good practice, transparency and building trust in the way we look after the ocean.” The MSC works with fisheries around the world to combat overfishing, including six MSC certified African fisheries supplying the global seafood supply chain with sustainable hake and tuna.
Majestic tall ship calls at Walvis Bay
A Legendary Visitor in Our Port!
We had the incredible pleasure of seeing the Bark EUROPA stop right here in Walvis Bay!
This majestic tall ship has sailed around the globe and even across Antarctic waters. Built in 1911, she carries over a century of maritime history and still captures hearts wherever she docks.
If you love the sea as much as we do, you'll understand the magic of seeing something this iconic up close!
Did you spot her in the bay? Tag us in your pics – we’d love to share the moment!
#namibia #explorenamibia #catamarancruises #catamaranchartersnamibia #catamarancharters #walvisbay #walvisbaywaterfront #namibiatourism #namibiathingstodo #swakopmund
Indongo Toyota Walvis Bay donates vehicle to SPCA Walvis Bay.
Walvis Bay Jetty in need of repair
Trucks causing chaos in Ben Amathila Ave in Walvis Bay during morning rush hour, Thursday 27 March 2025.
Calls are made for the traffic department to patrol Hanna Mupetami Road and Ben Amathila during morning rush hour to control truck drivers simply ignoring traffic laws and using pavements as parking spots.
More about the roads and trucks in Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay Golf Course flooded
No ice cream truck will excite residents in Walvis Bay, only the Municipal waste truck approaching
Concerns over undeveloped Erf 4747 at Swakop stir community debate
THE Swakopmund municipal council has reassured local residents that it is actively addressing the ongoing concerns surrounding the undeveloped land at Erf 4747, commonly referred to as the old indoor-swimming pool site next to the popular Mole Beach. Swakopmund CEO Alfeus Benjamin, in a media release, acknowledged the community’s frustrations over the stalled development and emphasised that the matter remains a top priority for the local authorities. The site, which has been the subject of public outcry due to concerns about mass development and height restrictions, has been in limbo for several years. Despite efforts from the developers and consultations with legal experts, no progress has been made, much to the dismay of the Swakopmund community. The project was halted following a petition and scoping exercise, during which residents voiced opposition to plans for high-rise structures on the site. “We acknowledge the public’s concerns and the sensitivity surrounding this issue,” said Benjamin. He further added that the Council is fully aware of the importance of the matter and is committed to handling it with the utmost integrity and transparency. The situation is delicate due to the property having been presented to other developers for sale, a move that requires careful consideration of legislative requirements. Residents, however, remain divided on the council’s handling of the situation, and frustrations have surfaced in public forums. “A whole page of waffle that says nothing new. Surely the council created the problem when they sold the property without conditions requiring specific performance?” one public member asked, suggesting that the council should have included conditions for the property to revert back to them if development did not proceed within a certain timeframe. Another person questioned the restrictions on building heights, arguing that they are limiting Swakopmund’s potential for growth. “This height restriction is dragging Swakopmund behind. A town surrounded by desert and sea with not enough space for expansion should already look into high-rise buildings,” she commented. There have been calls for more immediate, creative solutions. Somone proposed that the council rehabilitate the site into a green zone in the interim to mitigate the eyesore and curb criminal activity in the area. Some residents remain sceptical of the council’s commitment to finding a solution. One dismissed the council’s efforts as “just excuses” and expressed doubts that any progress would be made soon. Despite the varied opinions, there is consensus that something must be done about the site. One person suggested a more temporary solution, asking “Why can’t they take away that eyesore tin fencing and maintain a nice lawn area? Because in five years, I’m sure it will still be as it is now.” The Swakopmund council has appealed for patience from the community as it continues to navigate the complexities of the development. “We remain committed to managing this situation with the utmost integrity and transparency, and we ask the Swakopmund community’s patience as we work towards a resolution that benefits the entire Swakopmund,” said Benjamin. Photo: EYESORE... The fenced in hole where the old indoor-swimming pool used to be, and for which developers are vying to build multi-million dollar hotels, remains a thorn in the flesh of the community.