Transnet has announced that everything is “currently on track with the 24-month development period to commission the new liquid bulk tank farm” at the Port of Ngqura.
It is hoped that the new facility will come online sometime towards the end of 2020.
The public-private partnership between Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and Oil Tanking Grindrod Calulo Holdings, includes the project involvement of several BBBEE-companies and substantial investment in the local economy.
A statement issued by TNPA said “with environmental compliance and the enhancement of the Nelson Mandela Bay economy as top priorities, various contracts have been awarded already – approximately 80% to local suppliers – and work is in full swing.”
Some of the companies mentioned are Zingce Environmental Solutions, Keokoma, SA Five Engineering and a joint venture called Toro Ya Africa Socrasync.
TNPA furthermore emphasised that “the new tank farm in the Port of Ngqura will make way for an exciting new development in the Port of Port Elizabeth, which will demand the decommissioning of the existing liquid bulk facilities”.
Once Ngqura’s tank farm is in operation, the one in PE will begin winding down operations over a four-month period.
Rehabilitation of the PE tank farm is expected to take 36 to 48 months.
