The Durban Cruise Terminal in South Africa is set to undergo a US$ 15m upgrade; this is according to Transnet National Ports Authority Chief Executive‚ Richard Vallihu.
The preferred bidder that has been selected to advance the terminal is a joint venture between MSA Cruises SA and Africa Armada Consortium. It will be responsible for the design‚ financing‚ construction‚ operation‚ maintenance and transfer of a Cruise Terminal Facility for a 25 year concession period in the Durban port.
Mr. Vallihu described the announcement of the preferred bidder as an “exciting instance” and an important project for Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal region that will position it as a world-class cruised capital. He further said that the the new international facility will exposevisitors to the wide variety of tourism experiences offered by the province.
“It will be another asset within our Radical Port Reform that will create more opportunities by opening up our port to private sector partnerships and the communities in which we operate‚” said Vallihu.
The objective of Transnet Port Authority is to offer new and modern cruise terminals that will provide gateways to unique South African experiences that will be working closely with municipalities‚ provinces and the tourism sector.
“I believe that our preferred bidder has put together an exciting concept that has the experience to come up with a facility that will be the jewel in the crown of the Port of Durban‚” concluded Vallihu.
According to MSC Cruises SA MD Ross Volk, the project is anticipated to commence in October this year once the negotiations around the bid had been concluded and projected to be operational in October 2019.
The new security-controlled facility‚ which will be structured to accommodate two vessels‚ will also have viewing decks for communities to view ships coming in and will house SAPS‚ Customs‚ Home Affairs and other government departments.
KwaZulu Cruise Terminal’s equity is currently divided into 70% ownership by MSC Cruises SA and 30% ownership by Africa Armada Consortium. MSC Cruises is one of the largest and most successful cruise companies as it is the market leader in the Mediterranean‚ South African and Brazilian regions operating across the globe in 45 countries and 180 ports.
Africa Armada Consortium is a black economic empowerment investment company aimed at empowering its black investors through participation in economic activities‚ especially port and logistics developments.
