Multi-purpose terminal concession issued

Western Cape Government welcomes private sector opportunities in the Port of Cape Town

SOUTH AFRICA: Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer have welcomed Transnet's announcement that it is requesting proposals for private sector support and expertise at the Port of Cape Town.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) issued a request for proposals (RFP) on Friday last week for the  appointment of a terminal operator to design, finance, operate, maintain, refurbish, and/or construct and transfer a Multi-Purpose Terminal (B-D Berths) for a 25-year concession period in the Port of Cape Town.

With a deadline of 20 November, the RFP excludes the handling of liquid bulk cargo such as petrochemicals, but includes general cargo handling such as steel, sugar, rice, oats, paper, fertilizer, soybeans salt, wheat, maize, seeds, cement and fruit amongst others.

The Western Cape Government says that the move “marks an important step towards improving the efficiency, competitiveness and reliability of one of South Africa's most important trade gateways.”

“The Western Cape's exporters rely on a fully functional port. We have consistently called for reforms that improve efficiency and strengthen South Africa's logistics network. I welcome Transnet's decision to invite private sector investment and expertise into the Port of Cape Town,” said Winde in a statement today.

“Enhancing port performance extends far beyond logistics. A more efficient port helps businesses grow, attracts investment, expands exports and creates jobs. It strengthens the Western Cape's ability to compete globally and supports our objective of building a thriving, growing economy,” he added.

The Port of Cape Town has faced significant operational challenges in recent years, including congestion, delays and maintenance backlogs. These inefficiencies have increased costs for exporters, disrupted supply chains and weakened South Africa's competitiveness in international markets. The introduction of private sector expertise and investment presents an opportunity to improve operational performance and unlock economic growth. 

“Efficient ports are essential for economic growth. The Western Cape is a major exporting province, and our agriculture, manufacturing, fisheries and tourism sectors depend on reliable port operations to reach domestic and international markets,” noted Meyer.

The Premier and Minister noted that the reform aligns closely with the Western Cape Government's Growth for Jobs Strategy, which identifies efficient logistics infrastructure as a critical enabler of economic growth and employment creation. By improving the performance of strategic assets such as the Port of Cape Town, the province can attract new investment, increase export volumes and support the expansion of key industries. 

They further emphasised that reducing delays and improving operational efficiency will lower the cost of doing business, helping both established companies and emerging enterprises become more competitive. Increased trade activity through the Port will support employment across multiple sectors, including agriculture, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing and related services. 

PHOTO: An RFP has been issued for bidders to submit proposals to operate the Port of Cape Town’s Multi-Purpose Terminal for a period of 25 years. (© Maritime Review Africa)

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