Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed FFS Tank Terminals (Pty) Ltd as the preferred bidder to acquire, operate, maintain, refurbish, construct and transfer a R195 million Liquid Bulk Terminal at the Port of Cape Town.
The company will run the terminal, which will be located at the port’s Liquid Bulk Precinct, for a 25-year concession period.
TNPA announced the decision in a statement on Thursday, noting that FFS Tank Terminals, an existing terminal operator at the port’s liquid bulk precinct, had been appointed via the port authority’s concession process outlined in Section 56 of the National Ports Acts No. 12 of 2005.
“The appointment is a strategic move to enhance the Port’s efficiency and competitiveness. It is also in line with TNPA’s mandate to facilitate the provision of port services and facilities with emphasis on port revenue diversification, job creation, infrastructure development, and collaboration with the private sector to foster sustainable economic growth,” the ports authority said.
FFS Tank Terminals, a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, brings over 20 years of expertise in the liquid bulk sector, specialising in handling products such as heavy fuel oil and edible oils.
“The new concession agreement is set to inject an investment of R195 million into the facility, enabling terminal infrastructure refurbishment and upgrades that will substantially enhance operational efficiency,” said TNPA.
The ports authority said the selection of the preferred bidder solidified its commitment to ensuring continued liquid bulk operations and security of supply as well as the growth of port capacity.
“This transaction will not only support economic growth and development at the Port of Cape Town but will also stimulate the local economy through commitments made by the bidder such as job preservation, employment creation, local supplier development as well as skills development,” said Port of Cape Town Acting Manager, Ophelia Shabane.
TNPA said it was implementing a “phased approach” with the appointment of terminal operators for the Port of Cape Town’s Liquid Bulk Precinct.
“Whilst all the terminals are currently operational in the precinct, more terminals are anticipated to undergo the concession process in the new year in compliance with the open and transparency requirement of the National Ports Act,” said TNPA.
