Concession will boost terminal investment
TNPA signs liquid bulk terminal deal
SOUTH AFRICA: Today Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) signed a Terminal Operator Agreement with FFS Tank Terminals to operate and maintain a Liquid Bulk Terminal at the Port of Cape Town for a 25-year concession period.
“The partnership with FFS Tank Terminals is crucial for enhancing the port’s competitiveness and operational efficiency,” said Phyllis Difeto, Acting TNPA Chief Executive at the signing ceremony.
“This agreement solidifies TNPA’s commitment to ensuring continued liquid bulk operations for the region, coupled with growing the port’s capacity and cargo volume throughput,” she added.
With an investment of R195.7million over the first three years, this new concession will lead to the refurbishment of terminal infrastructure and upgrades aimed at improving operational efficiency and ensuring the security of supply to local industries.
Once operational, the terminal will double its current diesel storage capacity by 100%, increasing it to 29,200m³ enhancing diesel volume throughput at the port, while also boosting bitumen storage facility from 4,700m³ to 6,900m³ - a total storage capacity increase of 47%.
“We are pleased to reach this important milestone in our diversification strategy, which extends the FFS Group’s technical and terminal experience to a relatively new entrant in the independent liquid bulk storage sector in South Africa, FFS Tank Terminals,” said Andrew Canning, FFS Tank Terminals Chief Executive Officer.
The deal follows the successful conclusion of the Section 56 process of the National Ports Acts of 2005, during which TNPA appointed FFS Tank Terminals as the preferred bidder in December 2024.
FFS Tank Terminals' appointment forms part of TNPA’s consolidation of terminal operations within the liquid bulk precinct, where two sites have now been merged into single operational area for improved commercial viability.
This now brings the total number of licensed terminal operators at the Port of Cape Town to 10, eight of which are privately owned, demonstrating strong private sector participation in port activities.
PHOTO: Acting TNPA Chief Executive Phyllis Difeto and FFS Tank Terminals CEO Andrew Canning.
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