The following methodology was applied to update the NPP:
- Revise the nationwide freight demand forecast
- Develop the freight demand forecast per port
- Interact with port management to discuss the latest demand forecasts, to confirm the current capacity and to confirm the latest commercial plans
- Develop scenarios and port concepts to handle the 2016 projected freight demand
- Conduct an options analysis to determine the most suitable port concepts to meet future demand
- Develop the selected options into high level Port Development Framework Plans (PDFPs)
- Interact with port management to discuss, review and sign off the Port Development Framework Plans
The current (2016), short-term (2017 – 2022), medium-term (2023 – 2045) and long-term (beyond 2045) port layouts were updated for each Port.
Transnet National Ports Authority prescribed the following notable changes to the NPP:
- The provision of LNG import facilities, as part of the Department of Energy (DoE) gas-to-power programme, for Richards Bay, Ngqura and Saldanha Bay
- The Maritime Engineering and Maritime Commercial activities were updated as part of Operation Phakisa. New plans for Maritime Engineering include a floating dry dock facility in Richards Bay and increased land use in Saldanha Bay, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. New plans for Maritime Commercial facilities include expansion up the Buffalo River in East London and improvements to cruise liner facilities at Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth
- Notable projects that were deferred due to a decrease in demand included the Liquid Bulk expansion in Durban and a portion of the Liquid and Dry Bulk expansion at Ngqura
- Projects that were brought forward include the earlier development of the outer basin for container terminal in Cape Town in the medium-term and the LPG import facility that was recently completed in Saldanha Bay
