Transnet SOC Ltd has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and the Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, setting the stage for closer cooperation in port development and capacity building.
The agreement was signed during the World Economic Forum in Davos and marks an important step in Transnet’s efforts to modernise South Africa’s ports, improve operational performance, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in regional trade. The MoU creates a framework for collaboration in port operations, digital systems, sustainability, infrastructure planning, and corridor development to improve overall logistics performance.
Through this partnership, Transnet will gain access to international experience, technical expertise, training programmes, benchmarking, and advisory support aimed at building long-term institutional capacity across its divisions.
The MoU also covers cooperation on hinterland corridor development and participation in global investment programmes. This includes potential opportunities linked to the EU Global Gateway initiative, which supports investment in sustainable infrastructure across sectors such as transport, energy, digital services, health, education, and research.
Under the agreement, the partners will work together in several key areas, including managerial and governance advisory support, sustainability strategies for energy and social transitions, port operations and digital systems, corridor development and foreign investment programmes, as well as training and institutional capacity strengthening.
Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said the partnership comes at a crucial moment as the company accelerates port modernisation and works to reinforce South Africa’s role in regional and global trade. She noted that the collaboration will help Transnet apply international experience to strengthen ports as gateways for trade, in line with the company’s Reinvent for Growth strategy focused on modernisation, expansion, and optimisation through partnerships.
Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and APEC, described the MoU as an opportunity to renew a long-standing relationship with Transnet. He said the collaboration will focus on emerging priorities such as energy transition and decarbonisation, while continuing work on core areas like operational efficiency and port logistics, supported by skills development and training.
Jacques Vandermeiren, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said the agreement opens a new chapter in the partnership with Transnet, built on shared goals and long-term cooperation. He added that by working together on capacity building, energy transition, and sustainability, both parties can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
source: maritimafrica.com
