Maersk opens new cold store to boost South Africa’s fruit exports

SOUTH AFRICA – Maersk has opened the Belcon Cold Store in Cape Town as part of a US$100 million investment to improve South Africa’s cold chain logistics.

The facility is designed to support the export of perishable products such as citrus and table grapes, helping the country maintain product quality and strengthen its position in global markets.

South Africa’s fruit sector has long faced challenges in keeping the cold chain unbroken during exports. Frequent logistics delays have caused losses estimated at 1.5 billion rand (about US$82 million) each year.

These disruptions have made it harder for exporters to meet international standards and retain market competitiveness.

Maersk Southern Africa & Islands managing director Lubabalo Mtya said the company’s latest investment responds directly to these challenges. “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,” he said.

According to Mtya, the Belcon facility “directly addresses this critical gap in the market.”

Expanding storage and connectivity

The Belcon Cold Store joins Maersk’s existing facilities in Durban and Johannesburg, forming a national network that links exporters to major trade routes. The new Cape Town site holds 32,000 pallet positions and includes direct access to the port.

It also has an on-site container depot and renewable energy systems that help reduce emissions within temperature-controlled supply chains.

The site became operational in the second half of 2025 and was used during the recent citrus export season. Early results indicate that exporters have experienced smoother product movement and less spoilage due to improved temperature control and shorter handling times.

Mtya said Maersk’s approach goes beyond shipping to include end-to-end logistics support. “We are listening to our customers and implementing solutions that go beyond business as usual,” he said.

“This integrated approach means we’re not only delivering on ocean shipping but providing our customers with complete logistics solutions that address their most pressing challenges.”

Supporting export growth

Industry experts view the new facility as a boost to South Africa’s fruit export potential. Reliable cold storage allows producers to maintain quality, reduce waste, and reach distant markets efficiently. The investment also strengthens Cape Town’s role as a key export hub for high-value produce.

The Belcon Cold Store complements other regional developments, including upgrades at Durban’s cold storage terminals and ongoing modernization projects in port infrastructure.

Together, these efforts reflect growing confidence in South Africa’s export sector and the importance of strong logistics systems to sustain agricultural trade.

By expanding its cold chain network, Maersk aims to support more efficient and reliable movement of perishable goods, ultimately improving export earnings and livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.

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