State-owned Transnet has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) and Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre (APEC).

The partnership signifies a joint commitment to modernise South Africa’s port system, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen regional trade competitiveness.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in port operational excellence, digitalisation, sustainability, infrastructure planning and regional corridor development to strengthen South Africa’s logistics performance.

The collaboration introduces global best practices, technical training, benchmarking and advisory support to build long-term institutional capacity within Transnet divisions.

The MoU also includes cooperation on hinterland corridor development and global investment programmes, including opportunities linked to the EU Global Gateway initiative, which is an EU strategy to mobilise investments in sustainable infrastructure projects worldwide, with a focus on digital, energy, transport, health, education and research sectors.

The parties intend to cooperate and collaborate on managerial, operational, strategic and governance advisory support; sustainability strategy and policy for energy, ecological and social responsibility transitions; port operations and digitalisation; corridor development and foreign investment programmes; and training and strengthening of human and institutional capacities.

“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 this 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 MD Kristof Waterschoot says the MoU has rekindled the relationship the organisations have with Transnet, which started 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.

The MoU is poised to build capacity and share expertise in the port sector, with a strong focus on the energy transition and sustainability. By joining forces, the organisations can create new opportunities for growth, innovation and sustainable development.

The parties have agreed to establish a joint monitoring committee responsible for overseeing the implementation of the MoU.