State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a request for proposals (RfP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to acquire, operate, maintain, refurbish or build and transfer a liquid bulk terminal over a 25-year concession period at the Port of Cape Town.

“The liquid bulk precinct in the Port of Cape Town enables the efficient movement of liquefied cargo across South Africa and beyond, facilitating international trade and ensuring security of supply,” says TNPA Port of Cape Town acting port manager Ophelia Shabane.

The proposed facility is a brownfield site linked to Eastern Mole and Tanker Basin berths within the port’s Liquid Bulk Precinct. The berths within this precinct are classified as common user berths for liquid bulk commodities. The site has a total footprint of approximately 18 722 m².

TNPA is implementing a phased approach with the issuing of the RfP for the Port of Cape Town’s liquid bulk precinct to ensure compliance with the National Ports Act. This RfP is part of Phase 1 of the project processes, she said.

Further, a compulsory briefing session will be held for all interested parties at the Port of Cape Town on April 30, and the bid closing date is July 15. The RfP documents can be accessed on the Transnet E-Tender portal.

The RfP is part of an effort to foster collaboration and unlock business value to deliver fit-for-purpose port infrastructure, TNPA says.

The RfP is aligned to TNPA’s mandate to facilitate the provision of port services and facilities with emphasis on port revenue diversification, job creation, infrastructure development and collaboration with the private sector to foster sustainable economic growth, Shabane states.

“Strategic concessions continue to enhance the port's attractiveness and overall competitiveness in the global maritime trade landscape,” she notes.