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Powering South Africa's Energy Future

Zululand Energy Terminal (ZET) is developing South Africa's first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal at the Port of Richards Bay – unlocking critical energy infrastructure for industrial and power generation needs.

This world-class terminal will provide a secure supply of natural gas to support industrial growth, energy security and socio-economic development, while supporting the country’s long-term energy transition.

Projected Phase One

Final Investment Decision (FID) targeted for 2028

Phase 1 is currently planned for a Floating Storage Unit (FSU) of at least 170,000m³ and an onshore regasification system with an indicative capacity of 3 MTPA (~400 mmscfd)

Subject to taking FID

Projected Phase Two

Construction Complete , Commercial Operations Date (COD) can be as early as Q4 in 2030

Phase 2 is currently planned to have an onshore LNG tank with an indicative capacity of 220,000m³ (potentially replacing the FSU) and additional regas capacity (increasing the total capacity to 4.5 MTPA/~600 mmscfd)


Subject to taking FID

A Strategic National Infrastructure Project

South Africa is approaching a critical energy juncture. By 2030, a projected domestic gas supply shortfall - the "gas cliff" - is expected to converge with ongoing electricity supply constraints (the "power cliff").

Without timely infrastructure investment, this deficit poses a significant risk to manufacturing, industrial activity, and broader economic competitiveness.

ZET is being developed to help address this challenge by connecting global LNG supply to local demand, creating a secure and sustainable source of natural gas for South Africa's future.

Project at a Glance

  • South Africa's first LNG import terminal
  • Located at the Port of Richards Bay
  • Strategic partnership between Vopak Terminal Durban and Transnet Pipelines, appointed Preferred Bidder by port landlord, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on 10 January 2024
  • 25-year concession awarded to design, finance, construct, and operate the facility
  • Pre-FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) phase underway - advancing technical definition, environmental processes, and engineering development frameworks
  • Anchor customers secured, supporting market validation and underpinning project bankability
  • Advancing design, permitting, and stakeholder engagement
  • Supporting industry, power generation and economic growth
  • To be developed in phases to meet growing gas demand and ensure scalability

Next Steps

Completion of Pre-FEED and progression into FEED, finalisation of environmental and regulatory approvals, conclusion of commercial agreements, and advancement toward Final Investment Decision (FID).

Project Timeline

timeline -ZET Rev 3