TNPA board backs R100bn expansion plan for KZN ports

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has received board approval for its R100 billion KwaZulu-Natal Logistics Hub Programme intended to expand the ports of Durban and Richards Bay.

“The approval process sets in motion subsequent governance processes to be undertaken by the ports authority which include the promulgation process, as stipulated by the National Ports Act of 2002,” it noted in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The ports authority indicated that the programme will position the Port of Durban as an international container hub with an increased container capacity of 11.4 million TEUs (twenty equipment units) and an automotive capacity exceeding 900 000 units.

It says the Richards Bay Port will be positioned as a dry bulk port, with plans aligning with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy strategy plan to feature a new berth for handling LNG (liquified natural gas) as an alternative source for power generation.

The ports authority says some dry bulk terminals and mineral-handling facilities are also earmarked for relocation from the Port of Durban’s Island View and Maydon Wharf Precincts to the Port of Richards Bay.

The approval comes after a detailed validation process of the Port of Durban was concluded which confirmed the feasibility of the plan.

“This process was carried out under the supervision of the World Bank by independent consultants, Maritime and Transport Business Solutions (MTBS) and PDRW Consulting Port and Coastal Engineers.”

“The validation process is done to confirm the feasibility of the plans by independent experts and determine whether the presented business case is indeed achievable. In both instances, the independent consultants have confirmed feasibility of both plans.”

Nondumiso Lehutso is a Moneyweb intern.