Kelp Blue Namibia

Kelp Blue Namibia is the local operation of Kelp Blue, a Netherlands-based company pioneering large-scale offshore cultivation of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). Its main activities are based in Lüderitz, where the cold, nutrient-rich Benguela Current provides ideal conditions for year-round kelp growth.

The company grows underwater kelp forests that sequester carbon dioxide, enhance marine biodiversity, and support fish stocks. It harvests only the canopy of the kelp to allow continuous regrowth, then processes the biomass into products such as the biostimulant StimBlue+ for regenerative agriculture.

Kelp Blue holds a 15-year commercial licence covering approximately 6,400 hectares of ocean near Lüderitz. It has already established pilot and expanding cultivation areas (dozens of hectares under management) and has reported significant increases in local marine species diversity around its farms.

The operation contributes to Namibia’s blue economy by creating skilled local jobs (predominantly Namibian employees, with strong female representation) and investing in training, infrastructure, and processing facilities in Lüderitz. It aims to scale production substantially in the coming years.

In addition to environmental benefits, Kelp Blue focuses on commercial applications of kelp extracts for agriculture, with longer-term potential in other industries. The company has received international recognition, including a Zayed Sustainability Prize for climate action.

Headquartered operationally in Lüderitz, Kelp Blue Namibia continues to expand its cultivation, harvesting, and processing capacity while working toward broader product registration and market access.