Liquid bulk terminal for Port of Durban

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has signed a Terminal Operator Agreement with Mnambithi Terminals for the development of a liquid bulk facility at the Port of Durban’s Maydon Wharf precinct.

The project will result in improved operational efficiencies at the Maydon Precinct as Transnet pursues a number of tactical initiatives to drive volume recovery and improve efficiencies across its divisions through the business-wide Recovery Plan.

The signing ceremony follows the conclusion of a section 79 directive issued by the Minister of Transport for TNPA to grant Mnambithi Terminals a terminal operator agreement for the handling of liquid bulk at Maydon Wharf 6, for 20 years.

The agreement with Mnambithi Terminals, a 100% black-owned subsidiary of Mnambithi Group, underpins TNPA’s quest for transformation at the Port of Durban.

It also ensures the facilitation of trade through the import and export of high-flash liquid bulk cargo at the Port. The new terminal will feature direct rail and road loading, an on-site truck staging area with automated loading systems that will ensure maximum operational efficiencies whilst alleviating road congestion in the Maydon Wharf precinct.

With an investment value of R1.3 billion (US$70 million), the liquid bulk facility is also set to create over 50 to 100 direct and just over 400 indirect job opportunities for communities surrounding the Port of Durban from the project’s inception phase.

The project has two phases, with the initial phase entailing the demolition of the existing structure including foundations, installation of tanks, associated infrastructure, road loading gantry, as well as bulk transfer of pipelines connecting Mnambithi Terminals to the relevant berths to receive liquid cargo. The second phase will entail the installation of the remaining tanks and associated infrastructure.

“TNPA is deliberate about enabling transformation in the industry and breaking barriers of entry by ensuring inclusion and access for all. We are, therefore, delighted to welcome Mnambithi Terminals, and hope that this strategic relationship will promote the national, strategic, and economic interests of the country as mandated by Section 79 of the National Ports Act of 2005,” said Transnet Group Chief Executive, Adv. Michelle Phillips.

TNPA provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura.