TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) has received a remediation order from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) for the decommissioning and remediation of the Port of Port Elizabeth tank farm.
The project will see the closure of the tank farm that has served Nelson Mandela Bay as an importation and storage facility of petroleum products for 80 years. This will pave the way for new developments, aligned to the port’s vision of being a sustainable, world-class, smart people’s port of choice.
Port manager at the Port of PE, Rajesh Dana, said the milestone was one to be celebrated.
“All the parties have worked tirelessly in ensuring that we fulfil the prescribed environmental requirements to ensure the success of the application to the DEFF, and in so doing ensure that the long term plans for the commercial development of the port can be realised.”
He added that the redevelopment of the site would change both the physical and economic face of the port and the city. “It signifies the commitment to develop the long-awaited waterfront, one of the most anticipated and catalytic projects in Nelson Mandela Bay.”
Tank farm operations at the Port of PE will continue until December 31, next year, the date on which the air emissions licences for the PE tank farm expire. The decommissioning and remediation activities will commence in 2022.
The current location of the PE tank farm forms part of phase two of the waterfront development which will contribute in transforming the port into a “smart people’s port”.
The PE waterfront project will additionally ensure the achievement of the fundamental imperatives of a developmental state by promoting social inclusivity, alleviating poverty and facilitating economic transformation by creating jobs and gender equality.
The project will also be a catalyst for sustainable economic development. This will be achieved by providing opportunities for expansion and growth of existing and new businesses; it will promote clean and green developments and accommodate the diverse people of the metro both culturally and economically.
Issued: Transnet National Ports Authority
