A South African High Court has dismissed APM Terminals’ legal challenge to Transnet’s award of the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 concession to International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), removing the last legal obstacle to a 25-year public-private partnership at South Africa’s busiest container port.
In a judgment delivered on October 10, 2025, the KwaZulu-Natal Local Division (Durban) rejected APM Terminals’ application to overturn Transnet’s July 2023 decision that named ICTSI as the preferred bidder.
The court, presided over by Judge Mahendra Chetty, found that APM Terminals’ review had been brought with “undue delay” and that Transnet’s selection process had not breached tender regulations.
The decision effectively allows Transnet and ICTSI to proceed toward closing the transaction for DCT Pier 2. Transnet welcomed the ruling, describing it as the removal of “a major hurdle.” Group CEO Michelle Phillips said the company can now focus on implementing plans to modernize and expand Pier 2.
ICTSI also expressed readiness to move forward. “We now stand ready and look forward to working with Transnet at the Durban Container Terminal and the importers and exporters who rely on South Africa’s busiest container terminal to make a range of operational improvements for the betterment of all stakeholders and the South African economy,” said Hans-Ole Madsen, ICTSI’s regional head.
According to information publicly available in South African business media, ICTSI’s offer for the concession was R11.1 billion, while APM Terminals’ bid stood at R9.2 billion.
Under the structure reported for the 25-year joint venture, ICTSI will hold a 49% stake in DCT Pier 2, with Transnet retaining the majority interest. Information provided does not include the expected closing date of the transaction or operational details following the court ruling.
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is a publicly listed Philippine-based port management company engaged in the acquisition, development, operation, and management of container terminals worldwide. It operates under long-term concessions and is headquartered in Manila, with interests in ports across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
APM Terminals is a subsidiary of Denmark-based A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, operating a global network of port and inland services. The company manages container terminals in over 60 locations worldwide and focuses on integrated logistics and port infrastructure development.
Transnet SOC Ltd. is a South African state-owned enterprise responsible for freight rail, ports, and pipelines. Through its division Transnet Port Terminals, the company manages the country’s key maritime facilities, including the Port of Durban, which handles the majority of South Africa’s container trade.
