Transnet likely to enter public private partnerships soon

With required investment in port infrastructure estimated at R230bn over the next 30 years, Transnet will be likely to enter into Public Private Partnerships sooner rather than later. That was the message from TNPA engineer Chris Matchett, who addressed delegates at last week’s Industrial Development Corporation shipping forum in Johannesburg. “TNPA has Port Development Framework Plans for each commercial port – and these are driven by long-term forecasts over the next 30 years,” Matchett said. “Transnet has not yet entered the world of PPPs, but I personally believe that can’t be too far over the horizon because it would be difficult for the state to find R230bn over that timeframe.” He said that TNPA was a strong supporter of short sea trade adding that TNPA tariffs provided discounts for coastal trade and transhipped cargo.