Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed the Vopak Terminal Durban & Transnet Pipelines (TPL) Consortium Venture as the preferred bidder to develop and operate a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at the Port of Richards Bay.
The terminal is set to change the economic dynamics of the port city, the KwaZulu Natal Province and introduce an alternative source of energy as South Africa battles an energy crisis and transitions towards decarbonization.
Following a procurement process, TNPA has appointed the Vopak & TPL Consortium Venture to design, develop, construct, finance, operate, and maintain the LNG terminal in the South Dunes Precinct at the Port of Richards Bay for a period of 25 years. The terminal is a partnership between the private sector and the public sector, with the private sector as the lead investor. TNPA will invest in the common user port infrastructure, while the terminal operator will provide the terminal infrastructure.
‘TNPA is excited about the prospects this project brings, especially that this gas infrastructure project will be the first of its kind in South Africa. This is a testament to our dedication to promoting economic activity, job creation, and sustainable energy solutions,’ says Moshe Motlohi, TNPA managing executive for the Eastern Region ports.
This milestone brings TNPA closer to its strategic goal of assisting the country through this LNG import terminal and as a midstream LNG importation infrastructure for markets in the KwaZulu Natal hinterland.
