Filipino company wins landmark court battle to run Transnet Durban port terminal

TRANSNET SOC Ltd and the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) have welcomed the KwaZulu-Natal High Court judgment, dismissing Maersk's APM Terminals’ application to set aside the selection of an equity partner for the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2. Judge Mahendra Chetty delivered the ruling.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

Judge Chetty dismissed the application and said the parties should bear their own costs, including any costs reserved.

In July 2023, Transnet chose Filipino based ICTSI as the preferred bidder for a 25-year joint venture with Transnet Port Terminals. This partnership aims to develop and upgrade the terminal, with due diligence confirming ICTSI’s financial viability.

Pier 2 is the largest single container terminal at Transnet and handles 72% of the Port of Durban's throughput and 46% of South Africa's container volumes, making it a critical gateway of trade.

Transnet said it has consistently affirmed the integrity of its rigorous procurement process for selecting the preferred bidder. A comprehensive due diligence investigation was also completed, which confirmed ICTSI’ financial stability and ability to finalise the transaction.