Cold storage and rail projects boost KwaZulu-Natal citrus exports
New logistics facilities near Durban strengthen South Africa’s citrus supply chain.
SOUTH AFRICA – The logistics landscape in KwaZulu-Natal is changing as new cold storage and transport projects take shape in Cato Ridge, near Durban.
These investments are expected to strengthen citrus exports and improve South Africa’s overall trade logistics.
A sod-turning ceremony recently marked the start of construction for the FTP Group’s Insimbi Ridge cargo facility, a 33,000 m² inland cold and general storage site. Once complete, it will expand cold storage capacity in the Durban area and may connect directly to the port by rail, reducing dependence on road transport.
According to Mitchell Brooke, Logistics Development Manager at the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), “Not only will additional cold storage capacity be generated for the Durban region, but the possibility of accessing the port by rail will be a transformative approach to the citrus supply chain.”
Private investment fuels growth
Cato Ridge has become a hotspot for logistics investment. The Maersk Cato Ridge Cold Store, which opened in June, has capacity for 10,000 pallets and handled its first citrus season this year. Located opposite a container depot, the site enhances coordination between storage and shipment.
Cato Ridge sits along the busy N3 highway, providing direct access to Durban Port. However, industry experts believe the area’s long-term advantage lies in future rail connectivity.
Currently, around 90 per cent of citrus exports reach the port by truck. With new private-sector rail operators now allowed to use 41 routes across six major corridors, the shift toward rail could soon begin.
About 40 per cent of South Africa’s citrus originates from Limpopo, travelling almost 850 kilometres to Durban. Improved rail access is expected to cut costs and enhance delivery efficiency.
Stronger logistics partnerships ahead
Durban remains South Africa’s top citrus export port, handling nearly half of all shipments. As citrus production continues to grow, developing reliable storage and transport systems has become essential.
Legal clarity around the International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) concession for Pier 2 at Durban Port is another significant step. This partnership between ICTSI and Transnet is expected to bring more private investment into logistics operations and help raise efficiency once it starts.
Brooke said ongoing collaboration between government, exporters, and logistics firms will be crucial to sustain growth. “Continued investment in cold storage, logistics coordination, and reliable road and rail links is vital to maintaining fruit quality during export and ensuring South Africa’s competitiveness in international citrus markets,” he said.
With several major projects now underway, KwaZulu-Natal is positioning itself as a stronger link in South Africa’s citrus export chain, improving both capacity and speed from farm to market.
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