Saudi giants eye SA citrus gold as Durban port goes up for grabs

Saudi

Cape Town – Saudi Arabian ports operator Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI), backed by the kingdom’s $925 billion sovereign wealth fund, is reportedly considering bidding to develop and operate a fresh produce terminal at South Africa’s Durban port.

This follows a request for proposals by South Africa’s state-owned Transnet for a 25-year concession at the Maydon Wharf, Daily Investor reported.

RSGTI is exploring a potential bid with local partners.

“Red Sea Gateway Terminal International is a keen investor in the South African ports and related sectors”, the report quoted RSGTI director of Global Investments Gagan Seksaria as saying.

New terminal operations

The Durban development covers 145 hectares with 15 berths and a 7 million-ton annual cargo capacity. South Africa, the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, aims to boost private sector involvement in its inefficient ports, which have harmed its economy.

South Africa is the world’s largest citrus exporter after Spain, shipping grapefruits, lemons, and oranges to markets such as South Korea and the Middle East. However, Transnet’s ongoing struggles, including corruption, theft, and outdated equipment, threaten this rare economic bright spot.

RSGTI’s interest in South Africa aligns with its recent performance milestones. In a social media post dated May 5, 2025, the company announced:

“RSGT established a new terminal operations productivity record of 53.56 Gross Moves per Hour, powered by automated cranes, while working the SSF Dream on March 20th. The 3,534 TEU capacity container ship operates as part of the CMA CGM FAS weekly Gulf Jeddah Feeder 1 Service.”

RSGTI is also assessing other opportunities across Africa, especially in mining and food-related multipurpose terminals.

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