Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) hosted a roadshow this month in an effort to increase interest in upcoming port concession opportunities. The roadshows took place between March 5 and 15.

“The roadshows will acquaint potential bidders, interested parties and funders with the stringent requirements for bidding and participating in TNPA’s port concession projects. These concessions see us transferring operating rights to a private enterprise for a specified period, subject to the terms of the contract,” TNPA commercial and marketing GM Lauriette Sesoko said in a release.

Attracting new entrants that meet broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) requirements is critical to meet TNPA’s mandate as a change agent for several business opportunities in the private-sector pipeline.

She added that Section 56 of the National Ports Act mandates TNPA as landlord and ports master planner to contract with private terminal operators to design, build, rehabilitate, develop, finance, maintain and operate port terminals or facilities.

“As the national ports authority, we also have a responsibility to the country to help address the three scourges plaguing South Africa – unemployment, poverty and inequality. This means we must seek to make business opportunities available for small and emerging businesses owned by previously disadvantaged individuals,” Sesoko averred.

“These roadshows are about educating the market and attracting prospective partners, with the aim of fostering transformation within this space,” she said.

Representatives of TNPA’s new business development team will share opportunities around upcoming port concessions. They will also unpack TNPA’s expectations and requirements when responding to any request for information, expression of interest, request for qualification or request for proposals.

The team will address queries or challenges that potential bidders may have experienced when responding to such calls.

Sesoko said project funders were also encouraged to attend the sessions to encourage integration with technical, financial and transformation partners.

Under Transnet’s Market Demand Strategy, concessions across the eight commercial ports are opening up participation in port activities to businesses owned by historically disadvantaged individuals.

The Port of Durban’s new passenger terminal will be developed and operated through a 25-year concession granted to KwaZulu Cruise Terminal – a joint venture between MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company subsidiary MSC Cruises SA and black empowerment partner Africa Armada Consortium.

The new liquid bulk terminal at the Port of Ngqura, in the Eastern Cape, will be developed and operated by majority South African-owned BBBEE Level 1 contributor Oiltanking Grindrod Calulo.

At the Port of Saldanha, TNPA awarded Sunrise Energy a 30-year concession to introduce a new open-access liquefied petroleum gas plant.

At the Port of Cape Town, TNPA awarded Burgan Cape Terminals a 24-year lease to develop a new independent fuel storage, distribution and loading facility. Burgan Cape Terminals is owned by Netherlands firm VTTI and BEE companies Thebe Investment Corporation and Jicaro.

Also, in Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront holds a 20-year concession to operate and maintain the port’s existing passenger terminal.

In his maiden State of the Nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined several commitments which TNPA believes it can support through its involvement in the port system.

These include job creation, transformation, infrastructure development, stimulation of manufacturing and small business support, the company said.