Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a tender to appoint a panel of qualified service providers as its Terminal Operators of Last Resort to “close port operational gaps” at South Africa’s eight commercial seaports.
The panel will be in place for three years to assist where terminal operator contracts have been suspended or terminated under 60(4) provision of the National Port Act of 2005 to ensure the continuance of efficient terminal operations.
TNPA said that the selected panel of service providers will bid to provide an interim service that will assist the ports authority with mitigating the disruption of cargo-handling operations during the appointment of a new terminal operator through the concession process as stipulated in Section 56 of the National Ports Act 12 of 2005.
The panel’s scope will include import/export, transit storage, handling and distribution of cargo on and off vessels with appropriate terminal equipment, and the distribution of cargo to inland customers via rail or road.
TNPA general manager for Commercial Services, Anthony Ngcezula, said the approach is part of the ports authority’s strategy to fulfil its legally mandated port landlord role to provide a globally competitive port system.
The tender documents can be accessed on the Transnet tender portal.
