Latest news with #NationalPortsAct
Daily Maverick
29-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Transnet seeks liquid bulk terminal proposals for Port of Ngqura
Transnet National Ports Authority has issued a Request for Proposals for the appointment of a terminal operator to fund, design, develop, construct, operate, maintain and eventually transfer a liquid bulk terminal at the Port of Ngqura, for a concession period of 25 years. In what Transnet described as the first step to move the tank farm at the Port of Port Elizabeth to the Port of Ngqura, the parastatal has issued a request for proposals from operators to run a new tank farm at the new location. 'The RFP is a ground-breaking milestone in the relocation of the tank farm from the Port of Port Elizabeth to the Port of Ngqura, in line with approved port development plans. The move comes as Transnet is implementing its Reinvent for Growth Strategy, which seeks to transform and grow the business. The new terminal will include liquid bulk storage tanks, road tanker loading gantries, pipelines and the necessary terminal operation infrastructure,' the statement reads. It continued that the landside operation of the proposed terminal was earmarked for the port's liquid bulk precinct located at the eastern extents of the back of port land adjacent to the N2. 'Future developments planned for this precinct will be further developed for energy-related commodities such as liquefied natural gas,' the statement said. '[The new terminal] is intended to foster regional and national economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability,' said acting general manager for commercial services at TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority), Dr Dineo Mazibuko. 'TNPA takes pride in the Port of Ngqura being the only South African commercial seaport in possession of an environmental authorisation for its port operation. In keeping with this green status, the appointed terminal operator will ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, safety and regulatory standards,' Mazibuko said. Decades in the making The moving of the tank farm from the Port of Port Elizabeth has been decades in the making. In 2011, the transfer of the tank farm was stalled due to 'insufficient customer commitment'. Eleven years later, responding to a parliamentary question in 2022, former minister of public enterprises, the late Pravin Gordhan, explained the reason for further delays: 'The delay in the relocation of the fuel tank farm was due to the inability of an operator that was appointed in terms of Section 56 of the National Ports Act, to achieve a commercially viable business case for the proposed terminal, and thus a decision was taken to discontinue the project. 'Subsequently, Transnet supported the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) in developing the liquid bulk facilities in Zone 5 of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in view of the advanced progress the CDC had made with the development of their liquid bulk storage facility. 'The Transnet National Ports Authority has given termination notice to Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd, Engen Petroleum Ltd, and Total Energies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd (Oil Majors) who operate the Liquid Bulk Terminal in the Port of Port Elizabeth, effective 30 April 2022. As a result of this termination notice, the Oil Majors have lodged an appeal to the Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA) contesting this termination. 'A firm timeline for the relocation cannot be determined until such time that: TNPA and Astron settle the PRSA matter. There is a firm commitment from the Oil Majors to commit to commercial offtakes with the CDC or a liquid bulk storage facility operator appointed by the implementing agent, CDC. 'In October 2020, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) issued a Remediation Order in terms of Part 8 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act of 2008. This Remediation Order will regulate how the Oil Majors will undertake the decommissioning and remediation of the Port of Port Elizabeth's liquid bulk terminal. TNPA has initiated negotiations to conclude a Decommissioning and Remediation Exit Agreement. 'The Oil Majors have cited that this Agreement cannot be finalised without the PRSA appeal being determined and for realistic timelines for the relocation to the Port of Ngqura/CDC SEZ being agreed to,' Gordhan said at the time. DM
IOL News
16-06-2025
- IOL News
Concerns raised over safety protocols at Saldanha Bay Port following docking of vessel
Questions were raised about the recent docking of the Forest 6 cargo vessel at the Saldanha Bay Port recently. Allegations have surfaced from Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) insiders and other officials regarding the recent docking of the vessel Forest 6 at Saldanha Bay Port, which has allegedly offloaded 48 isotainers without adhering to essential safety protocols. The incident has prompted a deeper investigation into compliance with the National Occupational Health and Safety Act by both TPT and the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), raising concerns about the safety measures in place to protect workers and the environment at the port. According to information from some officials on the ground, who asked not to be named for fearing reprisals, the Forest 6 vessel docked at Jetty 406 and began offloading approximately 1728 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) despite stringent objections from local safety authorities at Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). "On June 10 at 14:50, officials at TPT expressed grave concerns regarding the risks associated with the offloading process. Citing safety grounds, they rejected the vessel's offloading request, citing the unusual weight and the use of a crane that is not standard for the terminal environment." However, while this was going on, an unnamed official from "head office" intervened, overruling the local TPT safety objections and insisted that the operation continue. According to TPT in response to detailed questions, the Forest 6 docked at their terminal from June 10 until June 12, 2025 under a standing terminal operating license, allowing them to handle such cargo. They stated that all safety protocols, compliant with standard operating procedures at the terminal, were diligently followed throughout the operation. However, they refrained from divulging any third-party information or documentation, citing the stipulations of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act). Contrarily, the TNPA has asserted that no vessel has docked at Saldanha Bay without adhering to the strict tenets outlined in the National Ports Act and corresponding Port Rules and Berthing Guidelines. Ayanda Shezi, the group head of corporate affairs at Transnet maintained that the Forest 6, which was granted ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) clearance by the Department of Transport on 15 May 2025, was assigned to berth 201 after a comprehensive risk assessment according to established regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, she confirmed that customs clearance was mandatory for all incoming cargo at South African ports, a process that is rigorously verified by the terminal operator. "No vessel has docked in the Port of Saldanha without following the prescripts of the National Ports Act, Port Rules, and Berthing Guidelines. TNPA is not aware of vessel/ terminal operations that are inviolation of the National Occupational Health and Safety Act or any applicable safety protocols. "The Vessel 'Forest 6' was ISPS (security) cleared on May 15, 2025 by the Department of Transport and docked by TNPA Marine Services at Berth 201 on June 10. "TNPA assigned the vessel Forest 6 to berth 201 based on a comprehensive risk assessment, in line with the National Ports Act and Port Rules. No imported cargo is allowed to land in a South African port without customs clearance, such clearance is verified by the Terminal Operator. "Lastly, TNPA is not required to notify the South African Reserve Bank regarding products in the cargo carried by vessels," she explained. Bongani Philips, the CEO and Chairman of LIU Energy, which was one of the companies responsible for bringing in and importing the Liquefied Petroleum Gas in isotaners on board vessel Forest 6 at Saldanha Bay, denied allegations of violations of safety protocols in bringing in the products. He raised urgent concerns regarding the treatment of black-owned companies in South Africa's energy sector, particularly in the importation of LPG. Phillips expressed frustration at the refusal to grant important licenses that would allow them to operate efficiently. He noted that the same cargo that faced scrutiny in South Africa was routinely imported into Namibia without issue, raising questions of selective enforcement and potential discrimination. 'LPG in ISO containers is not more dangerous than the bombs and bullets imported for military defence in this province. "I will not allow certain individuals to dictate terms to me when I have the rights to bring cargo into South Africa,' he said. DAILY NEWS
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Transnet opens bidding for Durban multi-purpose terminal concession
The operator will be in charge of handling fresh produce and break bulk. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has opened the bidding process for a terminal operator to take over the design, funding, construction, and long-term management of a multi-purpose terminal at the Port of Durban. The concession will run for 25 years and will focus on handling fresh produce and compatible break bulk cargo, Transnet said on Monday. This comes as Transnet has already awarded the tender for the concession of Durban Container Terminal's Pier 2 – SA's biggest shipping container handling facility – to Philippine ports giant International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) as part of a joint-venture deal. However, ICTSI and Transnet have been taken to court by a disgruntled losing bidder, which has delayed the project. Cash-strapped Transnet is looking for more private sector participation in SA's major ports as a way to unlock much-needed multi-billion-rand investment into port infrastructure. ALSO READ: 'Spurious' legal battle over Durban port threatens SA economy It said the request for proposals (RFP) for the Durban multi-purpose terminal, issued on Monday, falls under Section 56 of the National Ports Act and aims to boost operational efficiency and competitiveness at South Africa's busiest port. The project is earmarked for the Maydon Wharf precinct, a 145-hectare zone with 15 berths and capacity to handle over seven million tons of cargo annually. 'This multi-purpose terminal request for proposals is a pivotal development for the Port of Durban. It will enhance the port's competitiveness to support the domestic and international supply chain while aligning with Transnet's goals to increase cargo volumes and ultimately lead to economic growth and job creation in the region,' said Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, acting TNPA port manager for the Port of Durban. ALSO READ: How to fix Transnet's ports in the interest of economic growth The Maydon Wharf area is primarily a mixed-use precinct, accommodating terminals for dry bulk, break bulk, limited liquid bulk, and some container cargo. The new operator will be expected to maintain and transfer the terminal at the end of the concession period. Interested parties can access RFP documents through the National Treasury's e-tender portal or the Transnet website. Transnet said a non-compulsory briefing session will take place on Wednesday at 10am at N-Shed, 2 Quayside Road, Port of Durban. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
