Energex to invest R260m in Durban bitumen terminal

By Levy Masiteng

Energex, an energy company headquartered in the Hamriyah Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates, has become the latest foreign direct investor to establish a South African subsidiary, proposing to invest about R260 million in a bitumen import, storage and distribution terminal in Durban.

The investment was confirmed by eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele during the City’s Investor Fridays site visits.

Mbhele said the proposed “Mother Terminal” would significantly strengthen supply chains and infrastructure delivery.

According to the City, the facility is expected to provide storage capacity of between 6 000 and 8 000 tonnes, expandable to 10 000 tonnes, and accommodate vessels carrying between 5 000 and 15 000 tonnes per shipment.

The municipality said the terminal will support South Africa’s national bitumen demand, estimated at between 60 000 and 70 000 tonnes per month. Bitumen is primarily used in the construction industry, particularly for road