South Africa’s National Department of Transport has recently given powership operator, Karpowership, permission to access the ports of Ngqura, Durban, and Saldanha Bay for a duration of 20 years. This move aims to address the country’s power crisis by utilizing Turkish gas-to-power ships to generate 1,220 MW of electricity and distribute it through South Africa’s grid.
Transport Minister Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga made the announcement on May 18, stating that the safety measures and operations of the agreement will be overseen by South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).
The Department of Transport emphasized the consideration given to national security and international obligations in approving the application. In a statement, they highlighted that Minister Chikunga granted the TNPA the flexibility to make necessary decisions to implement the directive, including assessing safety measures and operational aspects.
Karpowership’s application, which was supported by President Cyril Ramaphosa, was approved by Minister Chikunga on February 26 after consultation with the TNPA. These power ships are expected to alleviate the country’s persistent power shortages.
In December 2019, South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy issued a tender for 2,000 MW of emergency power generation, with Karpowership securing the largest share of the tender.
