Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has begun the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process for the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at the Port of Ngqura – a key step in assessing the environmental and regulatory requirements for the project. The EIA will evaluate the terminal’s compliance with ecological and local regulations, including seismic and marine ecology surveys, as part of South Africa’s broader gas-to-power infrastructure plans.

TNPA, in collaboration with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) and the Industrial Development Corporation, has requested proposals from service providers qualified to assess the environmental compliance and sustainability of the proposed terminal.

“This involves conducting a detailed analysis of ecological and local regulations to determine critical environmental authorisations,” TNPA said in a statement on Wednesday (September 25).

The scope of work includes seismic and marine ecology surveys as well as climate change impact and socio-economic assessments.

The EIA process will be conducted in tandem with negotiations for the terminal operator agreement between TNPA and Strategic Fuel Fund ahead of construction and operation of the onshore LNG regasification facility at the port for 30 years.

Phyllis Difeto, Acting Chief Executive of TNPA, says this is a critical step in the development of the LNG terminal.

“Through its commercial seaports, TNPA is at the forefront of enabling the gas-to-power project pipeline while ensuring security of supply and unlocking global opportunities for sustainable impact.”

The Port of Ngqura’s LNG terminal is one of South Africa’s 12 priority infrastructure development initiatives with strategic integrated project status.

The triad partnership is fast tracking conclusion of the EIA by closing the request for proposals (RFP) on October 30. The RFP for prefeasibility studies will be issued by the end of September.

Mameetse Masemola, Acting Head of ISA, agrees with TNPA that this is a significant project.

“ISA was established to provide strategic, technical and financial advisory support to project sponsors in the planning, preparation, development and implementation of national pipeline projects and strategic integrated projects. This is one of the flagship projects we are proud to support and we are excited that progress is moving at pace.”

Tender documents can be found at https://www.idc.co.za/tenders/ and https://www.etenders.gov.za/