Hire of pilot boat services at the port of durban – 12-Month as-and-when-required basis

Closing date: 10 November 2026 at 12:00

Clarification deadline: 06 November 2026 at 12:00 (queries to Nkosinathi Sithole)

No formal briefing session will be held.

Technical and bidding procedure enquiries:

• Contact: Nkosinathi Sithole
• Telephone: (031) 361 8926
• Email: [email protected]

Complaints: [email protected]

Submission portal: https://esupplierportal.transnet.net/portal/

Submission method: Transnet eSupplier portal (https://esupplierportal.transnet.net/portal/).

• Register on the portal and log an intent to bid before submitting.
• Upload bid documents against the tender; each upload up to 30 MB, multiple uploads allowed.
• Complete all pricing electronically in the portal; paper pricing schedules are not accepted.
• Submit at least one day before closing to avoid technical issues; late submissions are not accepted.
• Each bidder must submit through its own registered profile; submitting through another company's profile disqualifies the bid. Joint ventures may submit through any party's profile.

Returnable documents (all must be signed, stamped and dated):

• Mandatory (failure to submit disqualifies): Annexure F – Technical Pre-Qualification; Section 4 – Quotation Form (completed electronically).
• Essential (may be requested later, failure may lead to disqualification): Section 1 – SBD 1 Form; Section 5 – RFQ Declaration, Certificate of Acquaintance & Breach of Law Form; Section 7 – Protection of Personal Information.
• Proof of authority to sign (e.g. company resolution) must be submitted.

Disqualification risks:

• Late submission, incomplete returnable documents, unsigned bid, or pricing not completed in full.
• Submitting through another company's profile.
• Including documents or references from other quotations.

Evaluation stages (sequential, but Transnet may run steps in parallel):

1. Step 1 – Administrative and substantive responsiveness: bid lodged on time, all returnable documents completed and signed, technical pre-qualification per Annexure F, priced offer included.
2. Step 2 – Weighted scoring (out of 100):

• Price: 80 points (formula: Ps = 80 × (1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin)).
• Specific goals (B-BBEE status level of contribution): 20 points.

3. Step 3 – Price negotiations (if applicable): Transnet may negotiate to achieve a market-related price, sequentially with highest-ranked bidder, then 2nd and 3rd.
4. Step 4 – Objective criteria: Transnet may award to a bidder other than the highest scorer if justified (e.g. poor past performance, integrity pact breach, probity risks, negative impact on ROI, supplier rotation, lack of technical/financial capacity, insolvency, conflicts of interest).
5. Step 5 – Award and contract conclusion.

Preference point system: 80/20 (estimated value not exceeding R50 million).

Validity period: 60 business days from closing date.

Hire of a pilot boat at the Port of Durban on an 'as-and-when-required' basis for a period of twelve (12) months.

Detailed scope of work is provided in Annexure A.

Bidders must demonstrate professional and technical qualifications, competence, financial resources, equipment, managerial capability, reliability, experience and personnel to perform the contract (as part of objective criteria).

Technical pre-qualification is required per Annexure F.

Complete the electronic pricing schedule in full in the eSupplier portal; incomplete pricing disqualifies the bid.

Prices in South African Rand inclusive of VAT.

No paper pricing schedules accepted.

Any disbursement not priced for will not be considered.

Pricing must follow the prescribed format; deviation disqualifies.

Unconditional discounts only considered at final evaluation.

Final pricing scores rounded to two decimal places.

Delivery lead-time must be stated.

Pricing must be completed electronically in the Transnet eSupplier portal; no paper pricing schedules accepted.

• Prices must be quoted in South African Rand, inclusive of VAT.
• Any disbursement not specifically priced for will not be considered.
• Pricing must follow the prescribed schedule format; deviation disqualifies the bid.
• Unconditional discounts only considered at final evaluation.
• Final pricing scores rounded to two decimal places.
• Transnet may negotiate for a market-related price; if not achieved, the RFQ may be cancelled.
• Delivery lead-time from date of purchase order must be stated.

Tax compliance:

• Submit a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or printed TCS certificate, or a CSD number if no TCS PIN.
• Consortia, joint ventures and subcontractors must each submit separate TCS/CSD documentation.

B-bbee:

• 80/20 preference point system applies (estimated value ≤ R50 million).
• B-BBEE status level of contribution claims up to 20 points; proof required (certificate or sworn affidavit as per Codes of Good Practice).
• Failure to submit proof means no preference points claimed.

Other:

• Must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD).
• Bids from persons in the service of the state, or companies/close corporations with directors/members in the service of the state, will not be considered.
• Bidders listed on the Register of Tender Defaulters or Transnet's restricted list are excluded.
• Must disclose any commercial relationship with a DPIP or FPPO.
• Must disclose all CSD-registered active companies linked to directors.
• Must comply with the Employment Equity Act (including Section 53).
• Must complete the Compulsory Enterprise Questionnaire.

Transnet may request information on the bidder's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standing at any stage; this is for record and analysis, not for evaluation or disqualification.

The successful bidder must keep all returnable documents valid for the duration of the contract; failure to renew may lead to immediate termination without liability.

The bidder must comply with all applicable national and local laws.

The bidder must comply with the Employment Equity Act, including Section 53.

The bidder must disclose any relationship with a DPIP or FPPO.

The bidder must not canvass Transnet officers or employees between closing and award; collusion leads to disqualification and restriction.

Transnet may cancel the contract and request restriction on the Database of Restricted Suppliers for up to 10 years if incorrect information was provided.

The bidder must obtain security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level if required.

The bidder must complete a Supplier Declaration Form for vendor registration if awarded.

Evaluation stages: administrative/substantive responsiveness, weighted scoring (price 80, specific goals 20), price negotiations, objective criteria, award.

Price formula: Ps = 80 × (1 - (Pt - Pmin)/Pmin).

Objective criteria include poor past performance, integrity pact breach, probity risks, negative ROI, supplier rotation, lack of capacity, insolvency, conflicts of interest.

Validity period: 60 business days.

The document is the Transnet General Bid Conditions, applicable to the hire of a pilot boat for 12 months at the Port of Durban. It sets out general conditions for all bids; the specific scope, quantities and delivery requirements are in the RFX document.

Closing date: 10 November 2026 at 10:00 (as per tender record).

• No briefing session or site visit date is stated in the document. If a briefing is indicated as compulsory in the RFX, attendance is mandatory; failure to attend disqualifies the bid.

Submission method: upload the completed bid into the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal against the selected tender. The bidder guide is available at transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net.

• Bids must be submitted no later than the closing date and time; late bids are not considered.
• Complete all official bid forms and formats; do not substitute your own terms and conditions. Non-compliance may lead to rejection.
• Use the original bid forms; additional information may be attached on company letterhead, cross-referenced in the RFX.
• All returnable documents listed in the RFX must be submitted. Missing mandatory documents leads to disqualification; missing other documents may also lead to disqualification.
• Price alterations must be made by deleting incorrect figures and inserting correct ones, initialled by the signatory; failure may exclude the item from award.
• Prices quoted subject to confirmation will not be considered.
• All amounts must be in South African Rand (ZAR).
• If samples are required, mark them with the bidder's name, address, bid number and item number, and deliver before the closing date; late samples may cause rejection.
• Foreign bidders must submit written proof of authorisation for any South African representative or agent; failure disqualifies the bid.

Evaluation stages and disqualification risks:

• Bidders must not appear on National Treasury's Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Failure to submit mandatory returnable schedules/documents results in disqualification.
• Failure to attend a compulsory site visit or briefing session results in disqualification.
• Foreign bidders using a South African representative or agent must provide written proof of authorisation; failure disqualifies the bid.
• Prices quoted subject to confirmation will not be considered.
• After the closing date, bidders may only communicate with the contact person listed in the RFX.
• Unauthorised communication with the Bid Adjudication Committee or other bidders during evaluation may lead to disqualification.

Scope: Hire of a pilot boat for 12 months at the Port of Durban.

• The document is the Transnet General Bid Conditions; it does not contain the detailed technical specification for the pilot boat hire. Refer to the RFX document for the full scope, quantities and delivery requirements.

Pricing must be submitted in the Price Schedule of the bid documents.

• Local supplies: Delivered RSA named destination basis.
• Imported supplies: Delivered Duty Paid (latest ICC Incoterms) basis to end destination in South Africa.
• Prices must be in Rand (ZAR).
• VAT must be shown separately on the tax invoice for local supplies.
• Prices quoted subject to confirmation will not be considered.

Pricing basis:

• Prices for goods must be quoted on a Delivered Duty Paid (latest ICC Incoterms) basis to the specified delivery point, unless otherwise stated in the bid documents. Bids on any other delivery basis are liable to disqualification.
• Local supplies (manufactured, produced or assembled in South Africa, or imported supplies held in South Africa) must be quoted on a Delivered RSA named destination basis.
• Imported supplies must be quoted on a Delivered Duty Paid basis to end destination in South Africa.
• VAT must be included in local supply prices and shown separately on the tax invoice.
• Security: The successful bidder must provide a Deed of Suretyship from an approved bank, building society, insurance or guarantee corporation, within 30 calendar days of the letter of acceptance. No payment is made until the deed is delivered; failure to return it may lead to contract cancellation.
• Advance payments, if applicable, require a guarantee.
• Conditional discounts: the discount period is calculated from the date Transnet receives the correct month-end statement and tax invoice.

General compliance:

• Bidders must not be on National Treasury's Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Bidders must state full names of directors (company), members (close corporation), or partners/individual (partnership or sole trader).
• Foreign bidders must provide a Power of Attorney for their South African representative, complying with Rule 63 of the Uniform Rules of Court, and authorising the representative to sign contracts and choose domicilium.
• The contract is governed by South African law; bidders must specify a domicilium citandi et executandi in South Africa.
• No specific B-BBEE, CIDB, CSD or tax compliance requirements are stated in this document; refer to the RFX document.

Contract formation:

• The contract comprises the General Bid Conditions, the Terms and Conditions of Contract, any Special Conditions, and the bidder's response, upon receipt of Transnet's letter of acceptance.
• If a formal contract is to be signed, the above documents plus the letter of acceptance form a binding contract until the final contract is signed.
• Bidders must accept the terms and conditions; unacceptable conditions must be raised in writing on company letterhead. Transnet's Legal Counsel reviews proposed amendments; bidders may withdraw unacceptable deviations, failing which the bid is disqualified.
• Contract quantities are not guaranteed; Transnet does not bind itself to a definitive quantity and will not accept liability for materials stocked in anticipation of orders.
• Delivery period and progress reports: the supplier may be required to submit periodic progress reports. Emergency demands may be placed outside the contract if the supplier cannot meet the critical delivery period.
• Security: a Deed of Suretyship is required within 30 calendar days of the letter of acceptance; failure may lead to contract cancellation.
• Payment: advance payments require a guarantee. Conditional discounts are calculated from receipt of the correct month-end statement and tax invoice.

The service is the hiring of a pilot boat for the Port of Durban on an as-and-when-required basis for a period of twelve (12) months. The vessel must be between 100 and 200 gross registered tons and must assist with the incoming and sailing of foreign vessels during day and night. The boat must have a safe platform for pilot embarkation and disembarkation. The crew must be able to recover a pilot who falls overboard, and a drill must be conducted before contract start. The service provider must provide a list of past incidents and how they were handled, plus the operator's SOPs. The pilot boat must berth in the Port of Durban for the duration of each service request, with the port allocating the berth.

Transnet legal notices contact:

• Addressee: Group Legal Counsel
• Physical address: 237 Mahatma Ghandi Road, 1st Floor Queens Warehouse, Durban, 4001
• Postal address: P.O. Box 1159, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 6000
• Email: [email protected]

Returnable documents: none specified in the schedule of requirements. The schedule itself must be completed and signed as part of the contract.

Scope: Hire of a pilot boat for the Port of Durban on an as-and-when-required basis for 12 months.

Vessel requirements:

• Gross tonnage between 100 grt and 200 grt.
• Must serve both incoming and sailing foreign vessels during day and night.
• Must have a safe landing/disembarkation platform with no impediments for safe pilot embarkation and disembarkation.
• Crew must be capable of recovering a pilot who falls overboard; a drill must be conducted before contract commencement to demonstrate this capability.

Operational requirements:

• Pilot boat to berth in the Port of Durban for the duration of each service request; Port of Durban allocates the berth.
• Service provider must provide a list of past incidents and how they were investigated and closed, plus the operator's SOPs for this work and emergencies.

Contract management:

• Performance review meetings will be held as required by Transnet's Contract Manager.

Payment: Transnet will pay an amount not exceeding a stated figure (not specified in the document) over the 12-month period, excluding or including VAT as indicated.

No specific compliance requirements stated in the schedule of requirements.

Confidentiality obligations: The service provider must keep confidential all information relating to Transnet's business, assets, customers, or staff that is disclosed during the assignment. Upon termination, all documents and records in any medium belonging to Transnet must be returned. The confidentiality obligation survives termination of the assignment.

Returnable documents: none specified in the source document.

Restricted suppliers

• No bid may be awarded to a bidder whose name, or that of any member, director, partner or trustee, appears on National Treasury's Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Transnet may withdraw an award or cancel a concluded contract if it is established at any time that the bidder has been restricted by another government institution.

Subcontracting

• Subcontracting requires Transnet's approval; undeclared subcontracting attracts a penalty of up to 10% of the contract value.
• The service provider remains liable for performance and may not reduce local production and content below the stipulated minimum threshold.
• No more than 25% of contract value may be subcontracted to an enterprise with a lower B-BBEE status level than the supplier, unless it is an Exempted Micro Enterprise with the capability and ability to execute the subcontract.

Cession and assignment

• Cession of the right to payment requires prior written approval from Transnet, must be requested in writing by the service provider and accompanied by the cession agreement, and is limited to transfer to an FSP or state institution.
• Transfer of the rights and obligations to perform under the contract is prohibited.

Insolvency

• Transnet may terminate forthwith if a receiver, manager, administrator, liquidator or like person is appointed over any part of the service provider's assets, or if the service provider compounds with creditors or passes a resolution for winding up or administration.

Data protection

• Submission of information constitutes consent to Transnet processing personal information for risk assessment, contract award, contract management, auditing, legal opinions or litigation, investigations, document storage, destruction, de-identification and publishing, by Transnet or its authorised appointed third parties.

Governing law

• The Order is governed by South African law, with disputes subject to arbitration under the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa. A service provider without a registered office in South Africa must maintain an agent for service of process in South Africa.

Hiring of pilot boat services for the Port of Durban on an as-and-when-required basis for a period of twelve (12) months.

Payment terms: 30 days from date of receipt by Transnet of a month-end statement, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Payment is made against original undisputed tax invoices with supporting documentation.

No specific compliance requirements stated in the source document.

The service provider's personnel and agents on Transnet premises must comply with Transnet's health and safety, security and system security rules and procedures. The service provider is liable for the acts, omissions and defaults of its personnel and agents.

Warranty: The service provider warrants competence to supply services to Transnet's reasonable satisfaction, and that services conform to legislation, do not deteriorate Transnet equipment, and do not infringe third party rights. The service provider indemnifies Transnet against losses from breach of this warranty.

Insolvency: Transnet may terminate forthwith if a receiver, manager, administrator, liquidator or like person is appointed over any part of the service provider's assets, or if the service provider compounds with creditors or passes a resolution for winding up or administration.

Subcontracting: Subcontracting requires Transnet's approval; undeclared subcontracting attracts a penalty of up to 10% of contract value. The service provider remains liable for performance and may not reduce local production and content below the stipulated minimum threshold. No more than 25% of contract value may be subcontracted to an enterprise with a lower B-BBEE status level than the supplier, unless it is an Exempted Micro Enterprise with the capability and ability to execute the subcontract.

Payment to sub-contractors: Transnet may, at its sole discretion, pay sub-contractors directly, subject to receipt of an undisputed invoice and written confirmation from the service provider that the amounts claimed are correct and services were rendered satisfactorily. This does not create a contractual relationship between Transnet and the sub-contractor.

Cession and assignment: Cession of the right to payment requires prior written approval from Transnet, must be requested in writing by the service provider and accompanied by the cession agreement, and is limited to transfer to an FSP or state institution. Transfer of the rights and obligations to perform under the contract is prohibited.

Supplier Integrity Pact: The service provider must comply with the Transnet Supplier Integrity Pact, avoiding all forms of dishonesty, fraud and corruption.

Restricted suppliers: No bid may be awarded to a bidder whose name, or that of any member, director, partner or trustee, appears on National Treasury's Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers. Transnet may withdraw an award or cancel a contract if the bidder is restricted by another government institution.

Notices: Notices under these terms shall be delivered by hand, facsimile or email, and deemed served on acknowledgement of receipt.

Law: The Order is governed by South African law, with disputes subject to arbitration under the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa. A service provider without a registered office in South Africa must maintain an agent for service of process in South Africa.

General: Completion or termination does not affect terms that by nature continue after completion or termination, including clauses on proprietary rights, proprietary information, protection of personal information, publicity and access. No failure or delay by Transnet to enforce rights operates as a waiver.

Counterparts: The terms may be signed in any number of counterparts, all together constituting one instrument.

The service provider warrants that services conform to all relevant legislation, standards, directives and orders in force at delivery, will not cause deterioration in functionality of any Transnet equipment, and do not infringe third party rights.

Returnable documents:

• Transnet Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure E): must be signed and submitted with the bid response.
• The bidder must confirm it acts as principal, not as nominee, agent or broker for any other person.

Bidders must sign the Transnet Non-Disclosure Agreement as part of the RFP bid response. Each party must confirm it acts as principal and not as nominee, agent or broker for any other person.

Confidentiality obligations:

• All confidential information received from the disclosing party must be kept secret and confidential.
• Confidential information may only be used for technical and commercial discussions related to the bid or for subsequent contract performance.
• Confidential information may be disclosed only to agents who need to know it for that purpose, and the receiving party remains liable for any breach by those agents.
• If disclosure is required by law, the receiving party must promptly notify the disclosing party and cooperate regarding the form and content of the disclosure.
• If confidential information is copied, disclosed or used improperly, the receiving party must notify the disclosing party and take steps to remedy the breach or prevent further unauthorised use.
• All confidential information remains the property of the disclosing party; no intellectual property rights are conferred.
• The receiving party must store information securely and keep a written record of what was provided and where it is located.
• On written demand, the company must return all written confidential information and destroy any copies from computer or other devices within 7 days, and supply a director-signed certificate of compliance.
• No announcement or disclosure of interest in the bid may be made without the other party's prior written consent.
• Neither party may use the other's name or information for publicity or marketing without consent.
• Confidentiality obligations survive termination of discussions and continue for 5 years.
• Each party acts as principal, not as nominee, agent or broker, and bears its own costs.
• The disclosing party may pursue any legal or equitable remedies for breach, including specific performance and damages.
• The receiving party must comply with South African privacy law (Section 14 of the Bill of Rights) and ensure appropriate technical and organisational measures against unauthorised or unlawful processing of data.
• Neither party may assign the agreement without prior written consent, except Transnet may assign to any Transnet Group member.
• No failure or delay in exercising rights constitutes a waiver.
• If any provision is invalid, the remaining provisions remain enforceable.
• The agreement may only be modified by a written agreement signed by authorised persons.
• Nothing creates a partnership, joint venture or agency.
• The agreement is governed by South African law, with exclusive jurisdiction of South African courts.

Returnable documents:

• RFX Declaration Form: bidders must certify that they have read and agree with the Integrity Pact.
• Signed Integrity Pact: must be signed and complied with to be registered as a Transnet vendor.
• Breach of Law Form: contained in the RFX document, to be completed if applicable.

Disqualification risks:

• Failure to sign or comply with the Integrity Pact.
• Any incorrect statement in the Breach of Law Form or other declarations may lead to rejection or removal from the vendor database.

Integrity Pact compliance is a prerequisite for bidding and contract award.

Restriction status:

• No award to bidders on National Treasury's Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.
• Awards or contracts may be withdrawn if the bidder is restricted by another government institution.
• Subcontracting to a restricted company is prohibited.

Declarations:

• Declaration of interest covering any family, business or social relationship with a Transnet employee or Board member.
• Declaration that no serious breach of law occurred in the last 5 years with any public sector or private company.

Bidders must not engage in under-pricing or anti-competitive practices. The Integrity Pact aims to enable Transnet to obtain the desired contract at a reasonable and competitive price in conformity with the defined specifications.

Sanctions for violations may include:

• Recovery of all sums already paid by Transnet.
• Encashment of advance bank guarantee and performance or warranty bond, if furnished.
• Penalty of up to 10% of contract value for undeclared subcontracting.

Bidders must:

• Sign and comply with the Integrity Pact.
• Certify in the RFX Declaration Form that they have read and agree with the Integrity Pact.
• Disclose any conflicts of interest (family, business, social relationships with Transnet employees or Board members).
• Declare no previous serious law transgressions in the last 5 years.
• Not be on National Treasury's Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers.

Bidders must uphold the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the fields of human rights, labour, anti-corruption and the environment, including supporting internationally proclaimed human rights, not being complicit in human rights abuses, upholding freedom of association and collective bargaining, eliminating forced and compulsory labour, abolishing child labour, eliminating discrimination, supporting a precautionary approach to environmental challenges, promoting greater environmental responsibility, encouraging environmentally friendly technologies, and working against corruption in all its forms.

Dispute resolution:

• Parties should attempt to resolve disputes amicably.
• Litigation in bad faith (vexatious proceedings, perjury, scurrilous allegations, abuse of court process) will result in Transnet not doing business with the bidder.

General:

• The Integrity Pact is governed by South African law.
• It covers all bidding processes and remains valid indefinitely unless cancelled.
• If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains valid.
• Bidders must report dishonest, fraudulent or corrupt behaviour by Transnet employees to a senior official or via the Tip-Off Anonymous hotline: 0800 003 056.

Sanctions for violations:

• Immediate exclusion from the bidding process or cancellation of contract without compensation.
• Recovery of all sums paid by Transnet.
• Encashment of advance bank guarantee and performance or warranty bond.
• Cancellation of all other contracts with the bidder.
• Exclusion from future bids with Transnet and other organs of state.
• Penalty of up to 10% of contract value for undeclared subcontracting.

Restriction:

• Bidders on National Treasury's Register of Tender Defaulters or List of Restricted Suppliers are not eligible for award.
• Transnet may withdraw an award or cancel a contract if the bidder is restricted by another government institution.
• Subcontracting to a restricted company is prohibited.
• Grounds for restriction include withdrawing a bid in bad faith, refusing to sign a contract, unsatisfactory contract performance, bribery, fraud, incorrect statements on local content or B-BBEE status, false information, causing damage to Transnet, and litigating in bad faith.

Bidders must not collude with competitors or engage in anti-competitive practices. Bids must be submitted independently, without consultation or agreement with competitors on prices, market allocation, pricing methods, or intention to bid. Any suspicious bids will be reported to the Competition Commission and may be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority.