TNPA plans rollout of raft of PPP opportunities

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is accelerating its use of public–private partnerships and concession agreements to unlock new investment across South Africa’s ports with a slate of terminal developments, liquid bulk facilities and energy-related projects planned or advancing in 2026. The move forms part of its broader strategy to expand capacity, crowd in private capital and improve operational efficiency across the national ports system. According to TNPA, it plans to advertise several new development opportunities during the year, spanning multiple ports and cargo segments. These include a multipurpose terminal at the Port of Cape Town, as well as liquid bulk facilities specialising in petroleum products. At the Port of Durban, opportunities will include liquid bulk facilities for edible oils and chemicals, along with a ship repair yard, while a small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility is planned for the Port of East London. “To enhance the competitiveness of South Africa’s ports, TNPA promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors through concession agreements, in line with the National Ports Act,” said a spokesman. It leases terminals to qualifying operators while retaining ownership of the land. Under this model, the state-owned entity acts as a landlord and a regulating body, allowing both public and private entities to manage port operations, particularly cargo operations. “Key investments currently under way include the appointment of a terminal operator and the signing of a terminal operator agreement (TOA) for the liquid bulk terminal at the Port of Ngqura. “Also on the cards is the conclusion of TOAs worth R17 billion for the development of liquid bulk and green fuel terminals in the South Dunes precinct at the Port of Richards Bay, as well as the conclusion of a TOA for the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the Port of Saldanha,” the spokesman added. LV