Newsletter Subscription

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has shortlisted three consortia to submit proposals for the design, funding and construction of the Boegoebaai greenfield port and rail infrastructure project in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. 

A total of eight local and international groups responded to the request for qualification, which was issued in August 2022. 

The three shortlisted respondents are: Boegoebaai Port & Rail Consortium; Boegoebaai Development Consortium; and Project Elephant Consort.

These will now be invited to submit proposals for the development of the project. The members of the consortia have not been disclosed.

The Boegoebaai deepwater port and rail project is designed to support the opening up of the Northern Cape Province as a mining location and centre for hydrogen production. 

The expected commodity mix for the port includes dry bulk, break bulk and containerised products, and eventually green ammonia.

The project includes the development of about 550km of railway to link the new port with mines and industrial areas.

“This project, post-construction, will result in the efficient movement of cargo emanating from the Northern Cape thereby providing another export channel for mining commodities from South Africa to global markets,” said Magenthran Ruthenavelu, TNPA's Boegoebaai programme director.

TNPA previously said it was open to developing the project on an engineering, procurement, construction plus financing basis or as a public-private partnership.

Photo: Containership in South African waters (© Donvictorio | Dreamstime)