International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), the country’s largest port operator with global operations, reported Monday that the High Court of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Local Division in Durban has dismissed a legal challenge filed by APM Terminals BV against the award of a 25-year concession for the development and operation of Durban Container Terminal 2 (DCT2).
The court upheld the decision of Transnet SOC Limited, South Africa’s state-owned freight logistics group, stating that the award process was conducted fairly, transparently, and within the bounds of Transnet’s discretion. It also clarified that solvency ratio was not the sole criterion for financial qualification, and that ICTSI’s financial capability had been properly assessed and validated during the bidding process.
Additionally, the court noted that APM’s application was filed with undue delay, providing further grounds for its dismissal.
ICTSI welcomed the ruling and reiterated its commitment to delivering long-term value, operational efficiency, and infrastructure investment at DCT2, in close collaboration with Transnet.
“This decision paves the way for a transformative partnership at one of Africa’s key gateway ports,” the company said in a statement, adding that it would update the Philippine Stock Exchange as soon as it receives formal guidance from Transnet on next steps.
The ruling marks a significant win for ICTSI as it expands its footprint in Africa’s logistics and maritime sector, reinforcing its global growth strategy in emerging markets.
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