South Africa has taken a step towards creating a new deep-water port on its west coast.

Engineering News reports that state-owned Transnet Ports Authority (TNPA) has sent out a request for qualification (RFQ) regarding the design, operation and funding of a deep-water port at Boegoebaai in the Northern Cape, near the border with Namibia.

‘The information sought through the RFQ is necessary for TNPA to chart a way forward in line with our strategic objective to operationalise a port in the region by 2026,’ says TNPA programme director Magenthran Ruthenavelu.

The RFQ, which precedes a possible future request for proposals, also covers the rail infrastructure linking Boegoebaai to mines and industrial areas in the province.

As part of its Hydrogen Society Road Map, government has earmarked Boegoebaai as a potential site for a green-hydrogen export hub. Fuel producer Sasol has also signed an agreement with the Northern Cape Development Agency to lead a study into the feasibility of setting up a green-hydrogen industry the area. 

9 August 2022
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