TNPA issued the request on 17 July. It seeks an operator to design, finance, operate, maintain, refurbish and transfer a multi-purpose terminal. The concession covers B, C and D berths over 25 years.
Confusion over scope
EWC chairperson Terry Gale said the announcement had caused confusion in the logistics and export sectors. Many stakeholders thought it covered the existing Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal. Transnet Port Terminals operates that terminal.
“This is not the case,” Gale said. “The request for proposals specifically covers B to D berths. The Fresh-produce Terminal currently uses these berths.”
Gale said TNPA must clarify the distinction. The future operation and development of the different facilities would have direct implications for exporters and other port users.
Fresh-produce Terminal performance
The Fresh-produce Terminal has operated at B to D berths over the past few years. It has consistently achieved its performance targets. TNPA transferred management to Africa Global Logistics in April 2025. Since then, the operation has also used A berth.
EWC supports increased private-sector participation and investment in the port. But it believes the process needs clear communication. It should also build on the improvements already in place. The call comes after the Port of Cape Town was ranked last among 400 ports worldwide, prompting demands for urgent reform.
“The private sector has an important role to play in improving the capacity, reliability and competitiveness of the port,” Gale said. “However, stakeholders need certainty about which facilities are involved. They need to know what will happen to the existing operator. And they must understand how the concession will affect current cargo operations.”
Call to upgrade CTMPT
EWC said TNPA should prioritise the Cape Town Multi-purpose Terminal (CTMPT) for further investment and upgrading. Its location escapes the worst of the summer south-easterly wind. That wind blows down Devil’s Peak directly into the Cape Town Container Terminal.
“During our weekly stakeholder engagements, EWC has consistently called for better use of the CTMPT,” Gale said. “We believe TNPA should upgrade it and equip it with ship-to-shore gantry cranes. This would provide additional container-handling capacity when the main terminal becomes wind-bound.”
EWC is engaging with TNPA to obtain clarity on the scope of the request for proposals. It also wants to understand the implications for existing operations at the port.
