Transnet issues tender for Durban Port terminal in 'latest move to liberalise national supply chain'

The Money Show's Stephen Grootes interviews Warwick Lord, chairperson of MIPA.

Beleaguered Transnet's National Ports Authority (TNPA) has started the process to get a private entity to ultimately operate a multipurpose terminal at the Port of Durban.

A tender's been opened to design, build and then operate the terminal at the Maydon Wharf precinct.

The earmarked site comprises two lease areas collectively more than 25 000 m² in size. 

The winner of the tender will maintain the terminal over a period of 25 years, after which it must be transferred back to the government through the TNPA.

Stephen Grootes gets comment from Warwick Lord, chairperson of the Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA), launched in May 2024.

Lord characterises the development as 'a massive opportunity' which forms part of the process of changing the national supply chain he says is currently underway.

"This is this latest in a series of pronouncements that has led us to this changing of the supply chain. Transnet must be commended on taking these bold steps in order to liberalise the system."

Warwick Lord, Chair: Multimodal Inland Port Association 

The monopoly Transnet traditionally had over the entire rail-port infrastructure is part of the reason why our transport system deteriorated, Lord says.

"If you look at the way the status quo has happened and we're not getting the results that we were wanting out of the current operations, we have to look at things differently."

Warwick Lord, Chair: Multimodal Inland Port Association

"We're very excited as MIPA to have the liberalisation we discussed, because it now enables all role-players to fulfil a role as opposed to just the public sector."

Warwick Lord, Chair: Multimodal Inland Port Association