Transnet is forging ahead with several property developments, including a new deepwater port and rail network to serve the country’s proposed new Boegoebaai hydrogen production hub and mines in the Northern Cape.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on Thursday issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for the development of the new port and associated rail infrastructure planned for the Northern Cape. The parastatal also approached the market for the redevelopment of two prime properties in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

TNPA said it was calling on port and rail developers to respond to its RFQ for the design, funding and construction of the new port and rail infrastructure in the Northern Cape. TNPA said the RFQ was intended to obtain information to shape the final solution as well as to select qualifying developers who could “undertake the design, funding and construction of a capital-efficient greenfield deepwater port and associated infrastructure”. The RFQ also seeks a rail solution proposal to connect the port to the mining and industrial hubs in the province.

“The information sought through the RFQ is necessary for TNPA to chart a way forward in line with our strategic objective to operationalise a port in the region by 2026,” TNPA programme director, Magenthran Ruthenavelu, said.

The development of a port in the Northern Cape can be seen as the first step towards realising the country’s Green Hydrogen Strategy, which has been regarded as an important driver of a just energy transition. Sasol’s feasibility study to explore the potential of Boegoebaai as an export hub for green hydrogen and ammonia should be completed within the next 24 months. The “green hydrogen” development, located in the Namakwa Special Economic Zone, has been designated a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) in the South African National Development Plan.

Ruthenavelu said the port would also provide connectivity for exports of other mining products.

“Over and above the catalytic effect of new port and rail infrastructure to the local economy, the investment could also provide an additional, cost-effective channel to market for manganese exporters in the province. It will bring much-needed relief to emerging miners who are currently restricted by high road transportation costs and no access to current export channels due to capacity constraints,” Ruthenavelu said. Read more here 

Original Source: https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/transnet-unveils-plan-new-port-and-rail-network

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