Contract inked for new container facility at Port of Richards Bay

It’s all systems go for the Container Handling Facility at the Port of Richards Bay.

This after Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on Tuesday signed an agreement through a joint venture with Grindrod SA Ltd and its transformation partner Eyamakhosi Resources (Pty) Ltd.

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Heeding the call by Richards Bay industry players, the new facility will support broader economic development objectives and see a big boost in job opportunities for locals.

The R285m container handling facility will be developed at the Port of Richards Bay’s Bayview Precinct. Operationalisation is earmarked for 2028.

This facility will see an increase in the port’s container handling capacity from 50 000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to 200 000 TEUs per annum, in alignment with the TNPA masterplan for KZN ports.

The development marks a significant milestone in diversifying the port’s cargo profile and is set to enhance the port’s intermodal capabilities, improve supply chain efficiency in the region, and support broader economic development objectives.

Transnet group COO Solly Letsoalo said this agreement is a materialisation of private and public sector partnership, and having a container facility in Richards Bay will be beneficial to businesses.

“For those who have been using the services from Durban, containers will be closer to their factories and areas of operation,” he said.

Skills enhancement Meanwhile, Transnet board chairperson Andile Sangqu said this commitment to efficiency is part of a rural holistic approach that includes workforce training and development to enhance skills relevant to logistics and supply chain management.

“From a logistics perspective, Richards Bay is strategically positioned to serve northern KZN, an area with untapped potential and significant demand for integrated freight solutions,” said Sangqu.

“This container facility will reduce road congestion from Durban, shorten supply chain lead time, and ultimately lower logistics costs; the establishment of this facility will enhance their efficiency and competitiveness.

“We see this project as a blueprint where commercial growth, community benefit and inclusive development must coexist,” he said.

Premier Thami Ntuli welcomed this project and said they would be watching over this development closely with law enforcement to ensure criminals and construction mafias do not come near this initiative.

Eyamakhosi MD Sicebi Mthethwa said this has been a 10-year journey for his business.

“The partnership is with an established 100-year-old company [Grindrod] and ours 10 years; but in our bag, we bring much value to Grindrod, the port and the city.

“We are also involved in a project with the city in developing a truck stop staging area into the Port of Richards Bay, and will be able to accommodate over 1 000 trucks,” said Mthethwa.

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