TRANSNET AND BELGIAN PORT ENTITIES PARTNER TO MODERNISE LOCAL PORTS
On 22 January 2026, Transnet SOC Ltd (“Transnet”) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) and the Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center (APEC).
The partnership, signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, signifies a major milestone in efforts to modernise South Africa’s port system, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen regional trade competitiveness. It establishes a framework for cooperation in port operational excellence, digitalisation, sustainability, infrastructure planning, and regional corridor development to strengthen South Africa’s logistics performance.
The collaboration introduces global best practices, technical training, benchmarking, and advisory support to build long-term institutional capacity within Transnet divisions.
The MoU includes cooperation on hinterland corridor development and global investment programmes, including opportunities linked to the EU Global Gateway initiative, which is an EU strategy to mobilise investments in sustainable infrastructure projects worldwide, with a focus on digital, energy, transport, health, education, and research sectors.
The parties intend to cooperate and collaborate on the following areas:
- Managerial, operational, strategic and governance advisory support
- Sustainability strategy and policy for energy, ecological, and social responsibility transitions
- Port operations and digitalisation
- Corridor development and foreign investment programmes; and
- Training, and strengthening of human and institutional capacities
“This partnership comes at a critical time as we accelerate the modernisation of our ports and strengthen South Africa’s position in regional and global trade. Through this collaboration, we will leverage global best practices in order to strengthen our ports’ strategic position as gateways for regional and international trade. Our Reinvent for Growth Strategy (R4G) seeks to modernise, expand and optimise our ports through strategic investments and partnerships,” said Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips.
Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of PoABI and APEC, said: “A special moment for PoABI/APEC to celebrate this very special occasion of the MoU with Transnet, hereby rekindling our relationship which started some decades ago. In a new and evolved port landscape we will collaborate on trending topics like energy transition and de- carbonization whilst still embracing the classic topics like operational efficiency and port logistics. Thanks to Transnet for granting us this opportunity to deepen our relationship and count on us as your partner for port optimization and team capacitation.”
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said: “This MOU marks an exciting new chapter as we renew our partnership with Transnet, one built on trust, shared vision, and a ambition for progress. Together, we are committed to building capacity and sharing expertise in the port sector, with a strong focus on the energy transition and sustainability. By joining forces, we create new opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainable development.”
The parties have agreed to establish a Joint Monitoring Committee responsible for overseeing the implementation of the MoU.
Issued on behalf of Transnet SOC Ltd and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International
