Cape terminal delay may cost tourism

While Transnet has yet to explain why none of the bidders for the 20-year contract to construct and manage a dedicated cruise-liner terminal in Cape Town were successful, there is growing concern that the tender delay could cost the city in lost tourism revenue.

Heloise Kotze, cruise division manager of Akorn Destination Management, the main ground handler for cruise ships, excluding the MSC shipping line, said ships stopped at Cape Town harbour for three days, with passengers spending thousands of rand during their stay.

She said the handlers for cruise ships should be involved in the next request for proposals issued by Transnet.

'We are such a main player that Transnet should consult us about how the building looks and is run. It must be a team effort.'

Transnet did not respond to questions from the Cape Argus about the timeline for its second bidding process, or when Cape Town could expect to have its dedicated cruise-liner facility.

The contract was supposed to have been signed by November, but last week Transnet issued a statement saying there were no successful bidders.

The parastatal did make a commitment to pushing ahead with the process, saying: 'Due to the strategic importance of the facility for the country, province and the city of Cape Town, the Transnet National Ports Authority will re-issue the Request for Proposals by way of Public Notice, to allow interested parties to participate in the process.'

David Green, chief executive of the V&A Waterfront, reaffirmed his commitment to being part of the bidding process. 'Our original bid stood in support of the fact that we believe in the power of the cruise industry, its growth potential and its need for a dedicated, multiuse terminal. Our stance remains and, as such, we will submit a tender once bids are called for.'

Green said the Waterfront saw its role as that of 'providing an exceptional welcome and levels of service in a multiuse terminal building.'

Kotze said there needed to be at least three options for cruise liners arriving in Cape Town. The current facilities were not adequate.

Akorn was responsible for about 20 ships coming to Cape Town next year, with the most - seven - scheduled for March.

Cape Town needed a dedicated cruiseliner terminal, with better facilities, to keep up with the increasing demand.

Source: Cape Argus