Maersk’s $100 million investment advances SA’s cold-chain export capability
GLOBAL logistics leader Maersk has formally opened its latest facility in Cape Town – the Belcon Cold Store – as part of a strategic investment exceeding USD 100 million to bolster South Africa’s cold-chain infrastructure.
South Africa’s cold-chain logistics sector has long been under pressure: perishable exporters – notably producers of citrus and table grapes – have borne heavy costs from delays and breaks in the temperature-controlled supply chain. At times, these losses have amounted to as much as R1.5 billion annually.
With the Belcon Cold Store, Maersk is aiming to fill a key vulnerability in the region’s export infrastructure, offering local exporters a more resilient platform from which to reach global markets.
Belcon joins Maersk’s existing cold-chain sites in South Africa – Cato and PreCool – forming a triad of logistics hubs thoughtfully positioned to serve the nation’s agricultural export sector.
Key capabilities of the network include:
- Capacity of approximately 32 000 pallet positions.
- Strategic positioning near the ports of Cape Town and Durban, supporting multimodal transport flows via rail sidings and highways.
- On-site container depots and integrated temperature-controlled storage to preserve product quality from origin to shipment.
- Renewable energy systems built into the facilities, aligning with broader decarbonisation goals.
End-to-end logistics: beyond ocean shipping
What sets Maersk’s approach apart for the B2B export community is its holistic logistics offering. Exporters shipping perishables now have access not simply to ocean freight, but to a full value chain: consolidation, container handling, customs brokerage, temperature-controlled storage, inland haulage and port access.
By offering a unified logistics platform, the company positions itself as a full-service partner to South African exporters — not just a carrier.
For Cape Town-based exporters and logistics stakeholders, the implications are significant:
- Improved infrastructure reduces risk of spoilage, enhances quality control and protects export margins.
- Proximity of the new facility to Cape Town’s port infrastructure promises faster throughput and fewer logistics bottlenecks.
- The investment signals international confidence in South Africa’s export growth potential — a strong signal for supply-chain investors, exporters and service providers alike.
- By leveraging integrated logistics solutions, local businesses can strengthen their competitive advantage in global markets.
Maersk’s investment in South Africa’s cold-chain infrastructure underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the region. As Lubabalo Mtya, Managing Director of Maersk Southern Africa & Islands, stated: “We are committed to building and delivering logistics solutions that create tangible value for our customers and their businesses, while contributing to South Africa’s economic prosperity and the livelihoods of its people.”
