Name of the Project
Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal.

Location
Port of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
South African State-owned freight and logistics company Transnet, through Transnet Port Terminals.

Project Description
The Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal is a critical export gateway for South Africa’s bulk commodities, particularly chrome and magnetite.

In February 2026, Transnet issued a request for qualification (RFQ) to start the selection process for a partner in the private-sector participation (PSP) project for the redevelopment, financing, design, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of the dry bulk terminal.

The RFQ represents the first phase of the partner selection process, and it invites interested parties to demonstrate their technical capability, operational experience, financial capacity and compliance with Transnet’s requirements.

Through the PSP process, Transnet aims to leverage private-sector expertise and capital to improve operational efficiency and reliability while supporting future capacity growth and retaining strategic oversight of the asset.

Possible capacity expansion projects include Berth 804 to 2.6-million tonnes a year; the conversion of Berth 702, adding an estimated two-million tonnes a year of capacity; Berth 802 superstructure installation, adding about 6.4-million tonnes a year; E and F storage expansion at the megachrome terminal; a complete mechanisation programme; new stackers and reclaimers; electrification upgrades; and Tippler 3 and Tippler 4 projects.

Respondents that meet the qualifying criteria may be invited to participate in a subsequent request-for-proposal phase. The closing date for submission is August 31, 2026, at 16h00.

Potential Job Creation
The project could provide opportunities in supplier development, local participation and community upliftment, particularly within the Richards Bay region.

Capital Expenditure
To be determined.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Transnet bidding procedure enquiries/technical enquiries, email psp@transnet.net