South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) as the implementation agent for the Port of Ngqura Liquid Bulk Terminal near Port Elizabeth in South Africa.

The terminal was due to be developed by Oiltanking Grindrod Calulo (OTGC) a joint venture between Oiltanking, local partner Grindrod, Calulo Investments and nonprofit organisation Adopt-a-School Foundation.

But in November 2020, the joint venture said that it had not been able to build a commercially viable business case or secure sufficient customer commitment, and pulled out.

CDC has been appointed as the implementation agent for two years, and will now embark on a “robust construction programme”.

CDC is already responsible for the planning, design and construction of a liquid bulk storage solution in the Coega Special Economic Zone for a customer affected by the forthcoming closure of the Port of Port Elizabeth terminal. TNPA says that this made the company the best choice for the Ngqura terminal. Under the terms of the agreement with TNPA, the CDC will also provide technical support, delivery services and systems for the overall delivery of port infrastructure on an assignment-by-assignment basis.

The aim is to have the terminal operational before December 31, 2021, when the Port Elizabeth liquid bulk facility closes. TNPA says that delays to the Ngqura terminal will mean that liquid bulk products will need to be transported by road to the region from port import facilities in East London and Mossel Bay, risking road deterioration as well as posing safety, health and environmental risks.

For more information visit www.coega.co.za

22nd March 2021