en.Wedoany.com Reported - Zululand Energy Terminal (ZET) is seeking an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal project in Richards Bay, South Africa, which is planned to be developed by the joint venture between Vopak and Transnet Pipelines.
ZET stated that this Expression of Interest (EOI) provides qualified EPC contractors meeting the specified minimum requirements with an opportunity to participate in this strategic energy infrastructure project. The selection of the EPC contractor will follow a phased procurement approach, starting with the EOI, followed by a Request for Information (RFI) issued to qualified contractors, and progressing to a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This structured process aims to assess capabilities, refine the contracting framework, and designate the preferred partner for project execution.
EPC execution will be subject to applicable local regulations, and the successful contractor must comply with localization requirements, including hiring local labor. Eligible parties will be included in the project's supplier database and may be shortlisted for subsequent phases as potential preferred contractors or subcontractors. The submission deadline is July 9.
This EOI release comes one day after U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil signed a Letter of Intent with ZET to supply LNG to the planned import terminal. ZET noted that the Letter of Intent demonstrates international market interest in supplying LNG to South Africa and supports the ongoing development of the infrastructure required for the country's new natural gas import platform. Earlier this month, South Africa's state-owned power utility Eskom also signed a Letter of Intent with ZET to become the anchor customer for the LNG import terminal. Eskom will assume the anchor customer role at the proposed terminal, which will provide open access to LNG import, storage, and regasification infrastructure to support Eskom's planned 3,000-megawatt gas-fired power generation project.
In February 2025, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) signed a 25-year terminal operator agreement with the joint venture comprising Vopak and Transnet Pipelines for South Africa's first LNG import terminal. Both TNPA, which is developing the LNG import terminal at the Port of Ngqura, and Transnet Pipelines are part of Transnet, South Africa's rail, port, and pipeline company. Vopak is developing the LNG import project through its 70%-owned joint venture, Vopak Terminal Durban.
The partners plan to develop the project in two phases. Phase one includes a floating storage unit (FSU) with a minimum capacity of 170,000 cubic meters and an onshore regasification system with an indicative capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (approximately 400 million standard cubic feet per day), along with optional truck loading facilities. Vopak and Transnet Pipelines plan to make a final investment decision on this phase in 2028. Phase two includes an onshore LNG storage tank with a capacity of up to 220,000 cubic meters (potentially replacing the FSU) and additional regasification capacity, bringing total capacity to 4.5 million tonnes per annum.
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