May 11, 2020 [News 24] – After turning the first sod for the new liquid bulk tank farm in the Port of Ngqura early last year, Transnet National Port Authority is on track with its part of the development.

The civil work at Berth B100, which includes the paving of the berth, is expected to be completed in August 2020.

The surfacing of the 15 000m² area covers 50% of the multi-purpose terminal, which is the area dedicated for the liquid bulk berth operations.

“The completion of the paving will represent a step closer to our dream – unlocking the potential of the berth to ultimately increase cargo volumes and port revenue,” said Tandi Lebakeng, port manager of the Port of Ngqura.

Oiltanking Grindrod Calulo (OTGC) recently announced that its part of the development of the liquid bulk terminal in the port had stalled, due to insufficient customer commitment.

This announcement came after the completion of the earthworks of the storage area.

OTGC was awarded the preferred bidder status in 2011 by Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) to develop a liquid bulk storage facility to service fuel imports in the Nelson Mandela Bay region. The facility is intended to replace the existing one in the Port of PE.

Despite the delay, TNPA is committed to deliver infrastructure to facilitate and enable the development of a liquid bulk terminal in the port.

To date, TNPA has completed all the design work and all major construction work is in progress and scheduled to be completed by September 2020.

“TNPA is currently engaging OTGC, the PE oil companies, stakeholders and all the relevant authorities to formulate and implement a way forward.

“A comprehensive impact assessment is being undertaken by all the relevant parties and the way forward will be communicated in due course,” said Lebakeng.

Having completed phase one of the infrastructure required to service the site in 2014, TNPA commenced with phase two at the end of 2018.

Phase two includes the construction of the land side development, forming the link between the tank farm and the berth.

This phase includes the environmental search and rescue to relocate plants and animals, a 3km access road to link the tank farm to Berth B100, a fuel line servitude, the port entrance plaza, CCTV and access control, electrical substations and lighting, perimeter security fencing, data and telecommunications, a firefighting system at Berth B100 and civil work at Berth B100.

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