Exporters seek clarity on Cape Town port terminal tender

Exporters Western Cape has requested urgent clarification from Transnet National Ports Authority regarding a new proposal for a private terminal operator at the Port of Cape Town.

The request for proposals, issued on July 17, seeks to appoint an operator to design, finance, operate, maintain, refurbish and/or construct and transfer a multipurpose terminal at B, C and D berths under a 25 year concession.

Exporters Western Cape chairperson Terry Gale said the announcement caused confusion within the logistics and export sectors because many stakeholders interpreted it as a concession of the existing Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal. Gale stated that the proposal specifically covers B to D berths, which are currently used by FPT.

The future operation and development of these terminal facilities will have direct implications for exporters and other port users, according to Gale. He noted that FPT has operated B to D berths successfully over recent years and has used A berth since management transferred to Africa Global Logistics in April 2025.

Exporters Western Cape supports increased private sector participation and investment but believes the process must be clearly communicated. Gale said stakeholders need certainty regarding which facilities are involved, what will happen to the existing operator and how the concession will affect current cargo operations.

The group believes the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal should be prioritised for upgrading with ship to shore gantry cranes to provide container handling capacity when the main terminal becomes windbound due to south easterly winds from Devil's Peak. Exporters Western Cape is engaging with Transnet National Ports Authority to obtain clarity on the scope of the proposal.

This follows earlier local coverage of Cape Town welcomes Transnet call for private port partners.

Frequently asked questions

Which berths are included in Transnet's new private terminal proposal?

The request for proposals covers B, C and D berths at the Port of Cape Town. These berths are currently operated by FPT under a 25-year concession arrangement. The proposal seeks to appoint a private operator to design, finance, operate, maintain and potentially refurbish or construct facilities at these locations.

Why did Exporters Western Cape request clarification on this proposal?

The announcement created confusion within the logistics and export sectors, with many stakeholders initially interpreting it as a concession of the entire Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal. Exporters Western Cape sought clarity on which specific facilities are involved, what will happen to the existing operator FPT, and how the concession will affect current cargo operations.

What does Exporters Western Cape want prioritised at the multipurpose terminal?

The group believes the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal should be upgraded with ship to shore gantry cranes to provide container handling capacity when the main terminal becomes windbound due to south easterly winds from Devil's Peak. This upgrade would improve port resilience and export capacity.

What happened to terminal management in April 2025?

FPT's management of A berth transferred to Africa Global Logistics in April 2025. FPT continues to operate B to D berths, which remain central to the new private terminal operator proposal issued by Transnet National Ports Authority.

Source: freightnews.co.za