As part of a broader strategy to enhance logistics efficiency, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is upgrading and expanding port facilities to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks and improve the overall competitiveness of the country’s logistics sector. According to Advocate Phyllis Difeto, acting chief executive of TNPA, it is about ensuring that the logistics network can meet increasing demand.Speaking to Freight News, Difeto said that the ports authority’s acquisition of a marine f leet and implementation of logistics network improvements, driven by the Transnet Recovery Plan implemented in September 2023, were expected to enhance port efficiency and stimulate trade growth for South Africa. These developments were forecast to boost cargo volumes by 5.2% in the 2025/26 financial year. “Significant increases are anticipated in the volume of commodities such as coal, containerised imports, automotive imports and manganese exports.”She said TNPA continued to implement the Desired End State strategy, approved in 2022. LNG import terminalOne of the major infrastructure projects for 2025 is the development of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at the Port of Richards Bay. “The LNG import terminal is vital for enhancing energy security and enabling access to cleaner fuel,” she said, indicating that TNPA would sign a Terminal Operator Agreement with the Zululand Energy Terminal consortium during the first part of the year.The project, which amounts to an investment of approximately R7 billion, includes the construction of a new berth, jetty topsides, a regasified LNG pipeline, bulk services infrastructure and a new gas transmission pipeline. It is scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2027.Another project at the Port of Richards Bay is the upgrade of the breakwaters dolosse. To extend the breakwater’s lifespan by an additional 50 years and improve its ability to handle wave heights of up to 11.5m, repairs and upgrades are planned. These improvements will take into account future sea level rises due to climate change. Berth deepeningAt the Port of Durban, the container terminal’s berths 203 and 205 will be deepened and lengthened, according to Difeto. “The plan involves dredging from -12.8m to -16.5m to accommodate Post-Panamax vessels with drafts of -14.5m. The new quays will extend 50m beyond the existing ones, and the length will increase from 914m to 1 210m. The project will be completed in three phases, with construction for Phase 1 at berth 205 expected to begin in November this year. The project is set to finish in 2030.”FN24M0251SFN25J0310SNow scans drivers licensesShe said ongoing maintenance at all eight ports in the country was continuing on an annual basis. The authority was also looking at ways to increase capacity at the ports. In Cape Town, the development of Culemborg for back-of-port logistics was planned for the short term. There was also the Cape Town Container Terminal Phase 2b expansion project.“At the Port of Richards Bay, the South Dunes Precinct will expand from 74 ha to 162 ha, with the ferro slab extension providing additional storage capacity. The Port of Durban plans to develop a new dry dock in the Bayhead precinct. Other developments include a Liquefied Petroleum Gas terminal at Island View Precinct, a new edible oil terminal and agricultural bulk terminal at Maydon Wharf Precinct, and the operationalisation of the Ambrose Park and Cars for Africa sites,” she said.East London changesIn East London, changes to port limits and land acquisition on the south-western side will increase the liquid bulk land area from two hectares (black tank/old HFO) to 17 ha (Gately site). TNPA has also finalised the acquisition of two jib cranes for the port’s dry dock facility that will increase the ship repair facility’s capacity and volume throughput. At the Port of Port Elizabeth, the automotive terminal will expand by eight hectares, and Berth N will become operational after deepening and strengthening works. Charl Malan Quay will also be repurposed to extend automotive capacity, including Berth 102 and its back-of-berth area. LV
