As part of a broader strategy to enhance logistics efficiency, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is investing in 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 marine fleet and other logistics network improvements, driven by the Transnet Recovery Plan implemented in September 2023, was 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.
One 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.
- Read more about berth deepening and changes in the Port of East London, in our Freight Features edition on “Logistics”, available on 7 March.
