Name of the Project
Port of Ngqura manganese export expansion project.

Location
Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Client
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).

Project Description
TFR plans to increase the capacity on its Postmasburg−Port Elizabeth−Ngqura manganese rail line, which will become its third heavy-haul export rail line, to an eventual 16-million tons.

The expansion will entail the upgrade of the rail line and the establishment of a new bulk terminal at the Port of Ngqura.

Jobs to be Created
Not stated.

Value
Transnet will invest R17-billion, excluding rolling stock, increasing capacity to 16-million tons.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
In light of prevailing market conditions, lower manganese ore prices and lower demand for manganese, TFR has decided to first expand the line’s capacity to 12-million tons. The 16-million-ton export target will now be achieved at a later stage.

TFR invested R466-million on Phase 1 of the rail line upgrade during the 2015 financial year, while it has estimated that it will have to invest about R39-billion to relocate the manganese export terminal from Port Elizabeth to the Port of Ngqura, in the Eastern Cape.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Gibb, Fluor and Aecom (engineering, procurement and construction management).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Transnet National Ports Authority, Margorie Makama, tel +27 41 5071957 or email Margorie.Makama@transnet.net.
Gibb (Port Elizabeth), tel +27 41 392 7500 or fax +27 41 363 9300.
Fluor, tel +27 31 581 4000.
Aecom, tel +1 213 593 8100 or fax +1 213 593 8178.