Name and Location
Richards Bay general freight capacity expansion project, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Client
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).
Project Description
Initial studies have been completed for a major expansion of the Port of Richards Bay’s general freight capacity, which has already been earmarked for development under Transnet’s R300-billion seven-year market demand strategy.
The initiative is designed to begin the process of raising the port’s capacity to handle bulk and break bulk commodities from 23-million tons to 59-million tons by 2040 and to position Richards Bay as a premier bulk-commodity gateway for resources such as chrome, ferrochrome, fertilisers, magnetite, coal and discard coal, forest products and liquid bulk.
Various port infrastructure projects, as well as terminal expansions and reconfigurations, are currently envisaged.
Transnet is hoping to introduce new near-port rail infrastructure, including new loops and tipplers.
Value
The initiative is provisionally expected to cost R15-billion.
Duration
Should the project receive board sanction and receive the necessary environmental approvals, construction could begin by mid-2015.
Latest Developments
A final investment decision on the proposed expansion project could be made by mid-2013. Transnet has already initiated a stakeholder engagement process and a full environmental-impact assessment will be undertaken as the project enters the feasibility-study stage.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
TNPA, tel +27 11 351 9001 or fax +27 11 351 9023.