The Devil is in the Detail. Paying the Price for Powerships

There is currently a lot of noise around the positioning and use of powerships in some South African harbours. Questions have been asked whether it will be for the good of the country? What about the Presidential commitment to a just transition and a low carbon economy? How will these ships impact the marine environment and fishing activity? But there is more to this story than meets the eye…

Something that needs to be understood is that this story is not just about the powerships. If you have read the reams of documentation attached to the environmental impact assessment currently being considered by the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and the Environment, you will realise it really is about providing infrastructure.

Karpowership SA (Pty) Ltd is taking the brunt of the publicity because it has been the most successful bidder. There are in fact six preferred bidders, the other five also announced in March being ACWA Power Project DAO, Mulilo Total Coega, Mulilo Total Hydra Storage, Oya Energy Hybrid Facility, and Umoyilanga Energy.