Is South Africa’s Port of Ngqura to be concessioned?

According to a report in Ports and Terminals, an announcement was made through newspaper advertisements last weekend August 10/11) in which Transnet National Ports Authority requested interested parties with the relevant experience to “submit proposals in order to qualify and be selected as pre-qualified bidders” for the financing, operation and maintenance of the Eastern Cape terminal.

Although the proposal is for a 25-year period there was no mention of ‘concession’ or ‘privatisation’ in the advertisements.

The Request for Qualification (RFQ) period is to end on December 3, 2013. No mention is made of when the terminal is expected to become a concessioned operation.