PROPOSED MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE INCLUDING A NEW BERTH 207, BULK SERVICES, ACCESS ROAD TO THE BERTH, AND PIPE-RACK MODIFICATION FOR THE PORT OF RICHARDS BAY, KZN (Application A)

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) proposes the construction and operation of new marine infrastructure within the South Dunes Precinct of the Port of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The proposed development includes a new Berth 207, associated bulk services, an access road, a new access trestle and modifications to existing port infrastructure. The project forms part of the long-term expansion and optimisation of port infrastructure within the Port of Richards Bay.

The proposed works include:

• Construction of a fixed piled marine berth (Berth 207).
• Construction of a new access trestle linking the berth to the shoreline.
• Development of supporting bulk services, including electrical supply, potable water supply, fire-fighting infrastructure, lighting, stormwater management and communications infrastructure.
• Modification of the existing pipe-rack associated with Berth 208 to enable access beneath the structure.
• Installation and temporary repositioning of floating breakwaters.
• Construction of an access road and associated infrastructure.
• Marine geotechnical investigations and associated site preparation activities. 

The proposed marine infrastructure forms part of a broader LNG-related development within the Port of Richards Bay. Environmental authorisation processes for different project components are being undertaken separately and under different competent authorities due to their location and regulatory requirements. This application relates only to the TNPA marine infrastructure components.

The project is being assessed through a Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (S&EIA) process in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (as amended). TNPA appointed Coastal & Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd (CES) as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner to undertake the required assessment process.

Following completion of the Scoping Phase, specialist studies were undertaken to assess the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts associated with the proposed development. The Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report (DEIR) presents the findings of these investigations, assesses potential impacts and identifies mitigation measures aimed at avoiding, minimising and managing environmental impacts.

Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) are invited to review the DEIR and supporting documentation and submit comments during the public review period. All comments received during the review period will be considered and incorporated into the Final Environmental Impact Assessment Report (FEIR) prior to submission to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for decision-making.

Date Published:   12 August 2026
Review Period:     13 August - 11 September 2026

Contact Person:  Sinazo Nyudwana
E-mail:                       cesppp@cesnet.co.za
Subject Title:         “Development of Marine Infrastructure for the Port of Richards Bay LNG Terminal (Application A)".