Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed FFS Tank Terminals as the preferred bidder to refurbish and operate a liquid bulk terminal for a 25-year concession period at the Port of Cape Town. The terminal, specialising in edible oils and compatible cargo, is a brownfield development covering approximately 6,289 m² within the Liquid Bulk Precinct, boasting a projected investment value of R102 million – including capital and maintenance costs. FFS Tank Terminals will finance, construct, operate and maintain the liquid bulk terminal, and transfer it back to TNPA at the end of the concession period.
The work includes upgrading storage tanks to enhance structural integrity and repurposing the existing import pipeline, which is currently used for vegetable and edible oils. The investment will further focus on repurposing the Nautilus facility as well as upgrading gantry and receiving systems. Once upgraded, the import pipeline will suitably handle additional new cargo types such as caustic soda lye and monoethylene glycol at the terminal. These improvements are expected to enhance the throughput of vegetable oils and specialty chemicals through the port.
‘The modernisation of this liquid bulk terminal is part of TNPA’s strategic shift towards diversification in response to evolving market demands. It ensures the security of supply of industrial and food service supplies whilst meeting new market demands for importation of specialty chemicals. This is a vital contribution to economic stability whilst optimising infrastructure utilisation and commercial viability of our seaports,’ says Dr Dineo Mazibuko, TNPA general manager.
