Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced that it has selected a public-private consortium as the preferred bidder to develop and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at the Port of Richards Bay’s South Dunes precinct in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.

The Vopak & TPL Consortium Venture was chosen through a competitive bidding process to undertake the design, development, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the LNG terminal for 25 years. The project is slated to commence commercial operations in 2027, and the subsequent step involves finalizing the terminal operator agreement.

Vopak, a Dutch company, boasts a global network of 78 terminals, including those dedicated to LNG, spanning over 23 countries. On the other hand, TPL is a State-owned entity responsible for managing South Africa's strategic fuel pipeline assets. TNPA will make investments in the common user port infrastructure, while the terminal operator will be responsible for providing and managing the terminal infrastructure.