Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed infrastructure and advisory firm Zutari as the transaction advisor to revise and validate the Island View Precinct strategy and implementation plan for the Port of Durban.
TNPA announced the appointment on Monday, saying the revision and validation of the strategy was a “pivotal move” to transform the liquid bulk sector and ensure security of supply.
The Island View Strategy, approved in 2019, would undergo a comprehensive revision to ensure it remained relevant to the rapidly evolving landscape, TNPA said in a statement.
Zutari’s role will be to analyse current market trends, review existing strategies, and develop a revised comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the sector's sustainability and operational efficiency. TNPA said the initiative aligned with its commitment to implement global best practices.
The Port of Durban’s Island View precinct is a South African national key point, managing approximately 74% of South Africa's liquid bulk imports. There are 12 terminal operators covering a 1 545 000-m² area, handling a range of products, including petroleum, chemicals and agricultural inputs.
As part of the country’s transition to sustainable energy, the port will also facilitate the handling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other cleaner energy sources.
As transaction advisor, Zutari will ensure that the strategy benefits both TNPA and the liquid bulk industry while safeguarding supply chain integrity in the petrochemical hub.
Acting TNPA managing executive for the Eastern Region, Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana, said the authority had collaborated with industry stakeholders to safeguard the sector.
“The Island View strategy aims to accelerate transformation, ensure a reliable supply of liquid bulk commodities, and increase throughput efficiency,” Dweba-Kwetana said.
“The appointment of Zutari is a significant milestone towards achieving these goals. Our collaborative engagement with stakeholders, including the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (formerly known as Sapia), the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association, and terminal operators, has been crucial in building confidence and identifying areas for cooperation in safeguarding the liquid bulk sector,” Dweba-Kwetana said.
TNPA said it was committed to ensuring security of supply, improving terminal operational efficiencies, risk management and job preservation in the precinct which supports more than 2 000 direct and indirect jobs.
