Exporters Western Cape (EWC) has called for urgent clarity from Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) over the scope of its latest request for proposals (RFP) for a private terminal operator at the Port of Cape Town.
The RFP, issued on July 17, seeks to appoint an operator to design, finance, operate, maintain, refurbish and/or construct and transfer a multipurpose terminal at B, C and D berths under a 25-year concession.
According to EWC chairperson Terry Gale, the announcement has caused confusion within the logistics and export sectors, with many stakeholders interpreting it as a concession of the existing Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal (CTMPT), operated by Transnet Port Terminals.
“This is not the case. The RFP specifically covers B to D berths, which are currently used by FPT,” said Gale.
He said it was important for TNPA to clarify the distinction as the future operation and development of the different terminal facilities would have direct implications for exporters and other port users.
“FPT has operated B to D berths successfully over the past few years, consistently achieving its performance targets. Since management was transferred to Africa Global Logistics in April 2025, the operation has also made use of A berth, strengthening the value it offers the industry.”
EWC supports increased private-sector participation and investment in the Port of Cape Town but believes the process must be clearly communicated and should build on the operational improvements already achieved.
“The private sector has an important role to play in improving the capacity, reliability and competitiveness of the port. However, stakeholders need certainty about exactly which facilities are involved, what will happen to the existing operator and how the concession will affect current cargo operations,” Gale said.
EWC believes the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal (CTMPT) should be prioritised for further investment and upgrading, given its location in an area of the port less affected by the summer south-easterly wind, which blows down Devil’s Peak directly into the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT).
“During our weekly stakeholder engagements, EWC has consistently called for better use of the CTMPT. We believe it should be upgraded and equipped with ship-to-shore gantry cranes so that it can provide additional container-handling capacity when the main container terminal becomes windbound,” said Gale.
EWC is engaging with TNPA to obtain clarity on the scope of the RFP and its implications for existing operations at the port.
