TNPA APPOINTS GRINDROD SA AS THE PREFERRED BIDDER FOR THE PORT OF RICHARDS BAY CONTAINER HANDLING FACILITY

Grindrod South Africa (Pty) Ltd (Grindrod SA) has been chosen as the Preferred Bidder by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to create and manage a container handling facility at Port of Richards Bay in order to improve port efficiency and service levels. This development will increase the port’s capacity for containers from 50,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually to 200,000 TEUs per annum while complying with TNPA KZN ports master plan. Finally responding industry demands, this successful award followed a Section 56 concession process under the National Ports Act No.12 of 2005 which began when issuing a Request for Information(RFI), and then proceeded into requesting proposals(RFP).

“With over 20 years of expertise in the container sector, Grindrod SA is ideally positioned to spearhead the development and operation of this facility, which is scheduled to become operational in 2027. The project entails an estimated capital investment of approximately R285 million, offering a substantial boost to the region’s container industry” said TNPAin their media statement.

The objective of the initiative is to promote economic advancement, generate employment opportunities and support professional proficiency in Richards Bay. TNPA has emphasized their dedication towards transformation through their collaboration with Grindrod SA – a certified Level 1 B-BBEE business based out of South Africa. As an effort toward advancing this agenda, Grindrod SA plans on teaming up with Eyamakhosi Resources (Pty) Ltd which operates within Umhlathuze municipality area so that there are advantages extended for the local community from this scheme.

“This is a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance the Port of Richards Bay’s infrastructure and capacity. We are confident that Grindrod South Africa’s experience and commitment to local partnership will drive the success of the facility, bringing considerable economic and logistical benefits to the region,” said Advocate Phyllis Difeto, TNPA Acting Chief Executive.

The strategic location of the proposed container handling facility will serve the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal province effectively, providing vital proximity to the hinterland market. This positioning is anticipated to lower logistics costs and reduce transportation lead times, benefiting both local and regional economies.

The proposed container handling facility’s strategic placement is ideal for effectively serving the northern regions of KwaZulu-Natal province, offering essential proximity to the hinterland market. It is expected that this positioning will lower logistics expenses and shorten transportation lead times, favoring both local and regional economies.