Durban Port: TNPA Opens Two Logistics Sites to Private Investors
Ports & Maritime — South Africa. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has launched a request for proposals to develop two logistics sites at the Port of Durban. The project covers more than 171,500 m² and targets cargo handling, warehousing, storage and distribution activities.
Two logistics sites offered at the Port of Durban
On 31 July 2026, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified investors to develop two sites at Ambrose Park, within the Bayhead precinct of the Port of Durban.
The first site, identified as Site 1, covers approximately 70,478 m². The second, Site 4, spans more than 101,065 m². Combined, the two sites represent more than 171,543 m² of land available for logistics development.
TNPA plans to have the sites designed, constructed and operated as commercial logistics facilities under lease agreements of up to 25 years.
The planned facilities will support several port-related activities, including cargo handling, warehousing, storage and distribution. Their location close to port infrastructure and key logistics corridors is intended to support container-handling operations and other port-related logistics activities.
South Africa’s port logistics: capacity and digitalisation in focus
For logistics operators, the immediate issue is the potential creation of additional logistics capacity close to the port terminals. The sites are not yet operational, however, and their actual capacity will depend on the investments, equipment and operating models selected through the RFP process.
TNPA is also requiring proposals to address automation, digital technologies, security measures and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
The project forms part of Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy, which includes improving the utilisation of port assets and attracting sustained private-sector investment.
Why it matters
* Capacity: More than 171,500 m² will be available for port-related logistics activities.
* Cargo flows: The sites’ proximity to Durban’s port infrastructure could support storage, handling and distribution operations.
* Private investment: Lease terms of up to 25 years provide a framework for private-sector investment in logistics infrastructure.
Implications for Southern African corridors
The Port of Durban is an important gateway for South Africa’s domestic and regional trade. Additional logistics capacity in the Bayhead precinct could therefore support operators serving supply chains between KwaZulu-Natal and other Southern African markets.
The operational impact will depend on how effectively the new facilities are connected to the port terminals, road network and other links in the regional supply chain.
With this RFP, TNPA is seeking to expand port logistics in South Africa by opening two Ambrose Park sites to private investment. The next challenge will be turning the available land into operational capacity capable of supporting cargo flows through the Port of Durban and the wider Southern African logistics corridors.
