South Africa's Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has finalised all 11 terminal operator agreements with fuel and chemical handlers at the Island View complex, the State-owned company said on Monday, even as a legal challenge risks overturning the deals.
TNPA was instructed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy last year to sign the 25-year agreements after she invoked special rules to help energy security.
The Minister's decision is being challenged in court by Black-owned Capricorn Petrochemicals, which is seeking to have the decision reviewed and set aside. Capricorn claims in court papers the decision favours existing operators, such as BP and commodity trader Vitol, at the expense of Black-owned companies.
About three-quarters of South Africa's fuel imports flow through Island View Precinct, which is part of Durban port on the east coast and acts as the country's main storage and supply hub.
In response to questions, TNPA said it had signed terminal operator deals across the liquid bulk sector, including petroleum and chemical commodity handlers.
