The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) tender for the appointment of advisers to determine a selection process for the appointment of a terminal operator, has been won by an SSI Engineering & Environmental Consultants led consortium.

Won against strong international competition, the tender – the first of its kind – is considered of strategic importance as it opens the way for private operators to manage the countries seven strategic port terminals – the first being the new deep water port of Ngqura, part of Coega IDZ within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area.

This advisory project is significant in as much as it is intended to produce a ‘blueprint’ for Transnet for the future appointment of private port terminal operators, a function that has traditionally been handled in-house by its National Ports Authority.  The move is seen as a significant step on Transnet’s road to transform the conglomerate into a more efficient and transparent public utility.

SSI’s Vishaal Lutchman, Project Principal Business Development, explained the scope of the tender.

“Our consortium, comprising SSI, Royal Haskoning, Quartile Capital, Shepstone & Wylie and the Rebel Group, are tasked with firstly developing ‘rules of engagement’, then specifically for the Ngqura port operator, a tender (based on these rules) which we will issue and adjudicate and finally enter into negotiations with the preferred bidder on behalf of the client. We will also play an oversight role for a period after implementation to ensure the new operator meets his obligations under the tender.

“The project will commence immediately and negotiations with the preferred bidder have to be underway within a period of two years” said Lutchman.

“There is no doubt that this locally led bid was the strongest bringing together a combination of recognised international and local expertise in meeting the requirement of TNPA.

“We see this as the first step in strategic port reform which will unlock significant supply chains in the Eastern Cape corridor making the country more competitive internationally and lowering the cost of business locally through all embracing efficiencies” said Lutchman.