Global partnership targets port efficiency, digitalisation, and sustainable trade growth
State-owned Transnet has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) and the Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre (APEC), marking a significant step toward modernising South Africa’s port system.
The partnership reflects a joint commitment to improving operational efficiency, strengthening regional trade competitiveness, and enhancing South Africa’s overall logistics performance. Through this collaboration, Transnet will work alongside globally recognised port institutions to introduce best practices, technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives across its port operations.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in key focus areas, including port operational excellence, digitalisation, sustainability, infrastructure planning, and regional corridor development. It also enables benchmarking, advisory support and specialised training aimed at building long-term institutional capacity within Transnet divisions.
A key component of the agreement is cooperation on hinterland corridor development and global investment programmes, including opportunities linked to the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative.
The EU strategy seeks to mobilise investments in sustainable infrastructure projects worldwide, with a focus on digital, energy, transport, health, education, and research sectors.
“This partnership comes at a critical time as we accelerate the modernisation of our ports and strengthen South Africa’s position in regional and global trade,” says Transnet group CEO Michelle Phillips.
Through the collaboration, she adds, Transnet will leverage global best practices to strengthen the ports’ strategic position as gateways for regional and international trade.
“Our Reinvent for Growth Strategy seeks to modernise, expand and optimise our ports through strategic investments and partnerships,” Phillips states.
PoABI and APEC managing director Kristof Waterschoot notes that the MoU has reignited a long-standing relationship with Transnet that began decades ago.
“In a new and evolved port landscape we will collaborate on trending topics such as energy transition and decarbonisation while still embracing the classic topics like operational efficiency and port logistics.
“Thanks to Transnet for granting us this opportunity to deepen our relationship and count on us as your partner for port optimization and team capacitation,” Waterschoot comments.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability and the energy transition, the MoU is expected to drive innovation, capacity development, and sustainable growth across South Africa’s port sector. The parties have also agreed to establish a joint monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of the agreement.