Meta Description: TNPA has issued an RFP for a terminal operator at the Port of Cape Town under a 25-year concession. See the tender details, briefing information and closing date.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a major Request for Proposal (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to develop and operate a multi-purpose terminal at the Port of Cape Town.
The successful operator is expected to finance, operate, maintain, refurbish and/or construct and transfer the multi-purpose terminal covering the B-D berths.
The proposed concession period is 25 years.
The tender is currently listed as open, with proposals due by 29 January 2027 at 16:00.
Tender Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) |
| Tender Type | Request for Proposal (RFP) |
| Tender Reference | TNPA/2026/06/0004/114472/RFP |
| Tender Name | TNPA/2026/06/0004/114472/RFP |
| Project | Multi-Purpose Terminal (B-D Berths) |
| Location | Port of Cape Town |
| Concession Period | 25 years |
| Tender Category | Goods & Services |
| Tender Status | Open |
| Briefing Date | 06 August 2026 |
| Briefing Time | 10:00 |
| Briefing Format | Teams and physical meeting |
| Closing Date | 29 January 2027 |
| Closing Time | 16:00 |
What Is the Tender About?
The RFP seeks proposals for the appointment of a terminal operator for the multi-purpose terminal at the Port of Cape Town.
The scope described in the tender includes the operator’s potential responsibility to:
- Finance the terminal
- Operate the terminal
- Maintain the terminal
- Refurbish the terminal
- Construct and transfer infrastructure where applicable
The project concerns the B-D berths at the Port of Cape Town.
Because this is a long-term concession opportunity, prospective bidders should study the complete RFP carefully to understand the commercial, technical, operational and contractual requirements.
The 25-Year Concession
The proposed concession period is 25 years.
This makes the opportunity substantially different from a conventional short-term supply tender.
Prospective operators should therefore examine the complete RFP documentation for the specific concession structure, responsibilities, performance requirements, investment obligations and conditions applicable throughout the concession period.
Port of Cape Town
The tender relates to the Port of Cape Town in the Western Cape.
The Port of Cape Town is part of South Africa’s commercial port network and handles a range of maritime and cargo-related activities.
The tender specifically concerns the development and operation of a multi-purpose terminal covering B-D berths.
Briefing Session
The tender information lists a briefing session for:
Date: 06 August 2026
Time: 10:00
The briefing has both a virtual and physical component.
Teams Meeting
The tender information states that the Teams meeting details are provided on page 58 of the RFP.
Prospective bidders should refer to the RFP document for the official online meeting information.
Physical Meeting
The physical briefing location is:
South Arm Road – TNPA House – 10th Floor Boardroom
Prospective bidders should check the RFP for any specific attendance requirements and instructions relating to the briefing.
Closing Date
The tender closes on:
29 January 2027 at 16:00
Businesses interested in the opportunity have a substantial period to study the RFP and prepare their proposals.
However, bidders should not rely solely on the summary tender information. The complete RFP should be reviewed for all mandatory requirements and submission instructions.
How to Respond
Interested businesses should obtain and carefully study the complete RFP documentation before preparing their proposal.
The RFP should be used to confirm:
- The complete project scope.
- Technical requirements.
- Terminal operating requirements.
- Investment and financing requirements.
- Maintenance obligations.
- Refurbishment requirements.
- Construction and transfer requirements.
- Concession conditions.
- Bidder eligibility requirements.
- Mandatory returnable documents.
- Proposal format.
- Evaluation criteria.
- Pricing and commercial requirements.
- Submission instructions.
- The official closing requirements.
Businesses should submit their proposals according to the official instructions contained in the RFP.
Tender Contact
The listed contact person is:
Mcebo Mhlanga
Transnet NPA CPT
Email: Mcebo.Mhlanga@transnet.net
Prospective bidders should use the official tender documentation and the designated contact details for procurement-related clarification.
About TNPA
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is responsible for managing South Africa’s national commercial ports.
TNPA forms part of Transnet and is involved in the development, management and maintenance of port infrastructure and related marine services.
This RFP relates to the Port of Cape Town and the appointment of a terminal operator for a long-term concession involving the B-D berths.
What Bidders Should Examine
This is a complex infrastructure and terminal concession opportunity. Businesses should not prepare a proposal from a short tender summary.
The complete RFP should be examined for details covering areas such as:
- Terminal operations
- Infrastructure
- Financing
- Maintenance
- Refurbishment
- Construction
- Transfer arrangements
- Operational performance
- Commercial obligations
- Technical capacity
- Financial capacity
- Legal requirements
- Contractual obligations
- Risk allocation
- Evaluation methodology
- Concession conditions
The exact requirements should always be taken from the official RFP.
Check for Tender Updates
Large procurement projects can be subject to clarifications, amendments or addenda.
Prospective bidders should therefore check the official TNPA/Transnet procurement information for any updates before submitting their proposals.
Pay particular attention to changes affecting:
- Closing dates
- Briefing requirements
- Technical specifications
- Mandatory documents
- Evaluation criteria
- Submission procedures
The latest official tender documentation should take priority over older summaries.
Avoid Tender Scams
Businesses should be cautious of individuals claiming that they can guarantee a successful tender outcome.
Do not pay an individual in exchange for promises of preferential treatment or a guaranteed Transnet contract.
Verify tender information through official Transnet/TNPA procurement channels and use the official RFP documentation when preparing a proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TNPA tender about?
It is an RFP for the appointment of a terminal operator for a multi-purpose terminal covering the B-D berths at the Port of Cape Town.
What will the appointed operator be expected to do?
The tender description refers to financing, operating, maintaining, refurbishing and/or constructing and transferring the multi-purpose terminal.
How long is the concession?
The proposed concession period is 25 years.
Where is the project located?
The project is located at the Port of Cape Town in the Western Cape.
When was the briefing session?
The listed briefing date was 06 August 2026 at 10:00.
The RFP states that Teams meeting details are available on page 58, with a physical meeting at TNPA House, South Arm Road, 10th Floor Boardroom.
When does the tender close?
The closing date is 29 January 2027 at 16:00.
What is the tender reference number?
The reference is TNPA/2026/06/0004/114472/RFP.
Final Reminder
This TNPA RFP is a 25-year concession opportunity involving the multi-purpose terminal at the Port of Cape Town.
Businesses considering the opportunity should study the complete RFP rather than relying on a short tender summary. The documentation will determine the exact technical, commercial, financial and legal requirements for prospective bidders.
The stated closing deadline is 29 January 2027 at 16:00.
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