Minister Creecy Extends Durban Port Leases, Opens Door for New Black-Owned Fuel Players

PRETORIA – Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has directed the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to renew long-term leases for major fuel operators at Durban’s Island View precinct while creating new space for emerging black-owned businesses to enter the sector.

Issued under Section 79 of the National Ports Act, the directive renews 25-year leases for existing tenants such as Bidvest Tank Terminal, H&R South Africa, Chemoleo, UNICO TEC, Astron Energy, Vopak Terminal Durban, Engen, TotalEnergies, SAPREF and Sasol. The move provides certainty to operators who manage bulk liquid fuel storage and manufacturing facilities at the port.

Alongside the lease renewals, Creecy instructed TNPA to guarantee the Central Energy Fund (CEF) access to Island View’s infrastructure. The CEF will initially receive 15% capacity at the precinct, with the potential to expand to 30%. Importantly, the CEF will serve as a third-party access point for new black-owned players who previously had no way of getting into Durban’s highly strategic liquid fuels hub.

“The aim is to ensure transformation in a sector dominated for decades by established players while keeping South Africa’s energy supply secure,” said Creecy.

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The directive also empowers CEF to build and operate a new Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) at the Port of Durban to strengthen the role of the newly formed South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC).

Read | Creecy Hails Transnet Port Terminals for Record Container Volumes

New Terminal Operator Agreements, which must be finalised by March 2026, include strict conditions such as the transfer of terminal infrastructure back to TNPA after the 25-year period, continuous capital investment in safety and efficiency, the roll-out of training and incubation programmes for historically disadvantaged individuals, and the adoption of stronger B-BBEE ownership and participation strategies.

Creecy said the directive would not only safeguard South Africa’s fuel supply but also open the door to broader participation in port operations.

“This initiative ensures fuel supply security for the country, provides certainty to tenants, and creates opportunities for new entrants who can now benefit from access to Island View infrastructure,” she said.

In a related decision, Astron Energy’s 25-year lease at the Port of Cape Town has also been renewed, securing operations that support one of only two crude oil refineries still running in South Africa.