A tree-planting ceremony on a windy koppie overlooking the port of Ngqura marked the start of work on a long-awaited new bulk fuel facility for Port Elizabeth.
Built and operated by Oiltanking Grindrod Calulo (OTGC) on a 20-hectare site, the new tank farm on the eastern side of the Coega river is due to be operational by the end of 2020.
It will replace the decades-old tank farm in the port of Port Elizabeth, which was earlier earmarked as a vehicle transit hub by Transnet.
The new facility will initially cater for 200 000 cubic metres of bulk storage of all types of fuel, with a final design capacity of 790 000 cbm.
Speaking at the tree-planting OTBC, chairman Mkhuseli Faku said: “OTGC is now embarking on the first phase of construction. The terminal will be built to the highest international safety standards and provide exceptional service to its customers.”
Ngqura port manager Tandi Lebakeng said Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) would have the necessary infrastructure in place in order to transfer fuel between the tank farm and the liquid bulk berth, which is currently being used to service oil rigs.