Transnet Awards Bid for Cape Town Cruise Terminal

 

Transnet National Ports Authority awarded the V&A Waterfront (Pty) Ltd the status of Preferred Bidder for the development of a cruise terminal at the Port of Cape Town, Transnet said on Tuesday.

Once all negotiations are concluded, the V&A Waterfront will invest just under R179 million to finance, design, and develop the terminal. In addition, the agreement includes operation, maintenance and transfer of ownership of the facility back to TNPA after a period of 20 years.

The facility will remain at E berth, Duncan Dock, in the Port of Cape Town. Once completed, it will be able to accommodate the port‟s current and future passenger vessel fleet. It is also envisaged that the upgraded facility will house value-added retail and hospitality services.

The Port of Cape Town is one of the most scenic ports to sail into, set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain. Cape Town is South Africa's oldest working harbour, and a mixed-use destination with not only a broad hotel offering but a host of leisure activities and tours that depart from the V&A Waterfront.

The award follows an open and public process in line with Transnet‟s governance and procurement processes.

The V&A Waterfront met all the requirements stipulated in the request for proposals to develop a facility that complies with world-class standards.

The award is also in line with Transnet‟s commitment to encourage private sector participation as a key element of the Market Demand Strategy, while at the same time playing a significant role in enhancing tourism and job creation in the Western Cape.

TNPA Chief Executive, Richard Vallihu, said: “As landlord and ports master planner, Section 56 of the National Ports Act mandates TNPA to contract with private terminal operators to design, construct, rehabilitate, develop, finance, maintain and operate port terminals or facilities.”

He said the Cape Town Cruise Terminal is one of the section 56 initiatives that Transnet has identified for the Western Cape. All international cruise liner vessels are required to dock at the Port of Cape Town as the first port of call in line with a Directive from the Minister of Home Affairs under the Immigration Act 13 of 2011.

“The upgraded Cape Town cruise terminal facility to be developed by V&A Waterfront will be a gateway to a unique African experience in cruise tourism,” added Vallihu.

“Transnet is excited about playing a role in entrenching Cape Town as a leading destination in Africa and the world. The city will benefit from a world-class facility that will attract greater international cruise liner calls, create jobs and strengthen the tourism offering of not only the Mother City, but South Africa as a whole,” he said.

V&A Waterfront CEO, David Green, said, "We recognise that cruise liner tourism is one of the fastest growing areas of tourism. Our area of responsibility is that of contributing positively to Cape Town, the Western Cape and South Africa. This award is an opportunity to positively contribute to the economy, job creation and providing a positive experience for all visitors."

“The cruise terminal gives us the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to our fair city, and is important due to the first impression it will create of Cape Town," said Green.

He said that there was great scope to improve the passenger experience upon disembarkation, and also the opportunity to work jointly with South African Tourism and cruise companies to grow tourism business.