KWAZULU NATAL PORT EXPANSION PLANS GET THE GREEN LIGHT FROM TNPA BOARD

Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) KwaZulu Natal (KZN) plans have received the green light from the TNPA Board. 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 2005.

The expansion plans form part of the more than R100 billion Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Logistics Hub Programme, which seeks to position the Durban Port as an international container hub that will boast an increased container capacity of 11.4 million TEUs and automotive capacity exceeding 900 000 units. The Richards Bay Port is being positioned as a dry bulk hub port and the plans are also aligned to Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s strategic plan 0-2025, which feature a new berth for handling Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) as a cleaner alternative to coal for power generation. Some of the 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 board approval follows two major milestones that have been recently realized by TNPA’s KZN Logistics Hub. During the month of July, a detailed validation process of the Port of Durban by the KZN Logistics Hub programme, was concluded. This process was carried out under the supervision of the World Bank by international 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 feasilbility of both Plans.

Source & Photo : TNPA