Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed FFS Tank Terminal (Pty) Ltd as the preferred bidder to develop and operate a liquid bulk terminal specialising in bunker fuels at the Port of Richards Bay.
The state-owned entity’s latest milestone follows the conclusion of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design, development, financing, refurbishment, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of the liquid bulk terminal specialising in bunker fuels. TNPA embarked on the RFP process for the 25-year concession in September 2023.
The terminal will be located at the Port of Richards Bay at a site previously operated by Engen.
FFS Tank Terminal is a South African company located in Durban and Cape Town with 50 years’ experience handling liquid bulk with multiple manufacturing sites, storage facilities and tank farms across the country. FFS handles products including heavy fuel oil, liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, coal tar fuel, and distillate fuel oil.
Dennis Mqadi, TNPA Port Manager at the Port of Richards Bay, said the project marked the commencement of the port authority’s first brown field project in line with the Richards Bay Port Master Plan.
“The award of this concession marks a significant milestone in the lifeline of this brown field project. TNPA is also very eager about the prospects of the concession, as the bunkering facility demonstrates our commitment to reposition our port as a dry bulk and liquefied natural gas (service and product provider),” said Mqadi.
The port master plan seeks to increase the liquid bulk volume and revenue at the port’s South Dunes Precinct. The new terminal is expected to promote economic activity, job creation and skills development in the eastern region.
