Maersk has officially launched the Belcon Cold Store in Cape Town, marking a major milestone in its US$100 million investment in South Africa’s cold chain logistics infrastructure. The facility is designed to enhance the country’s ability to manage perishable exports, particularly citrus and table grapes, and forms part of Maersk’s broader strategy to strengthen logistics performance across the region.
Lubabalo Mtya, managing director for Maersk Southern Africa & Islands, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to delivering logistics solutions that create tangible value for customers while contributing to South Africa’s economic growth and livelihoods. He described the new facility as a direct response to persistent cold chain challenges that have cost the fruit industry an estimated 1.5 billion rand (US$82 million) annually due to delays and disruptions.
The Belcon Cold Store joins Maersk’s existing facilities—Cato in Durban and PreCool in Johannesburg—creating a national network that supports perishable exporters through integrated connections across ports, rail, and road. Belcon features 32,000 pallet positions, direct access to the port of Cape Town, and an on-site container depot. It also incorporates renewable energy systems aimed at reducing emissions in temperature-controlled supply chains.
Operational since mid-2025, the facilities have already supported the recent citrus season, with early results showing improved product flow, better temperature control, and reduced waste. Maersk’s logistics model in South Africa goes beyond ocean shipping, offering full supply-chain solutions including consolidation, customs services, terminal handling, and inland transportation.
The investment reflects growing confidence in South Africa’s export potential and underscores the importance of reliable cold storage infrastructure. By expanding temperature-controlled logistics capacity, Maersk aims to help exporters improve efficiency, reduce losses, and strengthen their competitiveness in international markets.
