South Africa: Zululand Energy Terminal Opens EPC Bid Process for LNG Import Facility

Zululand Energy Terminal has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) process inviting Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors to bid for the development of its proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at the Port of Richards Bay.

According to the announcement, qualified contractors must submit their EOIs either in person by 17:00 (SAST) on July 9, 2026, or electronically via the designated project email address.

The EOI forms the first stage of a structured procurement process aimed at selecting contractors for the large-scale energy infrastructure project, which is expected to strengthen South Africa’s gas supply security and diversify its energy mix.

The process will progress through subsequent phases, including a Request for Information (RFI) and a Request for Proposal (RFP), with an emphasis on transparency, competition, and technical capability.

Zululand Energy Terminal said the selected EPC contractor will be required to align with localisation goals by supporting local suppliers, skills development, and employment creation throughout the project lifecycle.

Successful applicants will be added to the project’s vendor database and may be shortlisted for future contracting opportunities.

The LNG terminal is being developed as a joint venture between Vopak Terminal Durban and Transnet Pipelines under a 25-year concession agreement.

Once completed, the facility is expected to serve as South Africa’s primary LNG import hub, supporting both industrial demand and power generation while strengthening the country’s long-term energy infrastructure.