Agreement opens way for R1.8bn oil services hub at Saldanha port

A private port terminal operator has been selected to build and operate South Africa’s first offshore supply base (OSSB) at the Port of Saldanha, in the Western Cape. The facility, which will involve investments of R1.8-billion over the coming five years, will provide services to offshore oil and gas companies operating along Africa’s coastline.

The OSSB is to be developed by Saldehco, owned by private investment group HARPS Holdings, which has energy, property and marine interests in several countries, as well as black-women-owned energy company Semona. 

Saldehco has been selected following a competitive bidding process conducted by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), which is mandated to concession portterminals to private operators in line with Section 56 of the National Ports Act.

As port landlord and planner, TNPA is providing berth infrastructure for the OSSB at the port’s general maintenance quay. Saldehco, meanwhile, is responsible for providing warehousing, workshops, office facilities, as well as equipment such as cranes and other rubber-tyred equipmentto operate the terminal.

The OSSB will offer services to vessels supporting offshore exploration and production activities along the West and East coasts of Africa.

Saldehco, chairperson Sophie Masipa said the facility would provide fabrication of offshore structures, as well as a range of other services, from the provision of marine bunkers and lubricants to fresh water.

The OSSB would operate within the country’s first special economic zone (SEZ) located at a commercial port.

The SEZ will be operated by the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone Licencing Company, which recently concluded a commercial development lease agreement for the development of various pockets of land, totalling 35 ha in the port.