Following Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) formal market call on 17 July 2026—preceded by an operational milestone report on 13 July 2026—the next phase of structural evolution at the Cape Town Terminal complex has officially begun. Transnet has formally opened the bidding process for private sector partners to redevelop and operate the port’s critical Multi-Purpose Terminal under a 25-year concession. The Request for Proposals (RFP) specifically targets berths B, C, and D, moving long-standing industry advocacy into active execution.
Executive Backing: Provincial Leadership Reacts
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr. Ivan Meyer warmly welcomed Transnet’s announcement, framing it as an essential breakthrough for the region’s economy.
“The Western Cape’s exporters rely on a fully functional port,” stated Premier Winde. “Enhancing port performance extends far beyond logistics. A more efficient port helps businesses grow, attracts investment, expands exports, and creates jobs.”
Minister Meyer emphasized that port reliability directly impacts farm livelihoods across the province: “A more efficient Port of Cape Town is ultimately about jobs. When exporters move products faster and at lower cost, businesses expand production and employ more people—strengthening the value chain from farms and factories to retailers.”
Both leaders noted that the concession directly supports the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, establishing a reliable trading gateway for agriculture, manufacturing, and fisheries.
Industry & Wesgro Framework: How the Concession Works
According to trade and investment agency Wesgro, the transaction follows a DBFOM (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain, and Transfer) model. Under this structure, the private operator funds capital expenditures for terminal upgrades and berth refurbishments, removing the financial burden from Transnet’s balance sheet.
Key operational conditions stipulate that:
- Common-User Access: The terminal remains an open multi-user facility for diverse shipping lines.
- Commodity Scope: The operator must handle break-bulk, containerized, dry bulk, and agricultural project cargo.
- Strict Performance Metrics: Terminal Operator Performance Standards (TOPS) will strictly enforce turnaround times and equipment availability.
Export bodies—including SATI, Hortgro, the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), and the Citrus Growers Association (CGA)—have championed private integration as the long-term solution to avoid costly seasonal diversions. Research indicates that a fully optimized port could unlock R6 billion in additional provincial exports and support nearly 20,000 jobs.
From Plan to Action: Transnet Formally Opens Cape Town Terminal to Private Bidders
Inheriting a Stabilizing Baseline
Unlike previous years where bidders faced a collapsing system, successful applicants will step into a stabilizing environment. Transnet’s internal recovery initiatives have driven key improvements:
- Ship Turnaround Time (STAT): Dropped from 103 hours in 2023/24 to a live average of 58 hours year-to-date for 2026/27.
- Anchorage Delays: Reduced from 127 hours down to 79 hours.
- Weather Resilience: Ten permanent hydraulic shore tension units have reduced surge-related downtime by 92%.
How to Participate & Submit Bids
Interested local and international consortia can access the official Request for Proposals (RFP) pack, technical specifications for Berths B, C, and D, and returnable submission schedules directly through the Transnet eTenders Portal.
- Tender Reference Number: TNPA/2026/06/0004/114472/RFP
- Compulsory Briefing Session: August 6, 2026
- Closing Deadline: November 20, 2026 at 16:00 SAST
- Official Procurement Portal: transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net
Note for Bidders: All submissions must be uploaded electronically via the Transnet eTenders Portal. Bidders must be registered on National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD) and hold valid B-BBEE compliance documentation.
Bidding consortia have until November 20, 2026, to submit their final proposals, marking a definitive timeline toward a modernized port.