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Transnet awards bid for Cape Town cruise terminal

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Artist's impression of a new cruise terminal for Cape Town
Transnet National Ports Authority is upgrading the cruise terminal at Port of Cape Town set against the scenic backdrop of Table Mountain.

South Africa's V&A Waterfront (Pty) Ltd has been selected to finance, design and develop the terminal at an investment of around $14.6m. The agreement includes operation, maintenance and transfer of ownership of the facility back to TNPA after a period of 20 years.

The new terminal will be built at E berth, Duncan Dock, in the Port of Cape Town, the site of the exiting cruise facility and will house retail and hospitality services. The V&A’s mandate starts in September 2015 and involves an initial two year redevelopment project (first phase) of the existing terminal building, with completion of the passenger terminal due in December 2017. the project includes a 3 phase growth plan involving capital spend.

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 a series of nitiatives that Transnet has identified for the Western Cape.

‘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.

V&A Waterfront ceo, David Green, said, ‘We recognise that cruise 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.’

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