The Danish logistics group says the facility represents a significant milestone in strengthening South Africa’s critical cold chain network, essential for the country’s perishable exports sector dominated by citrus and table grapes
Maersk has officially inaugurated the Belcon Cold Store facility in Cape Town, marking a “significant milestone” in the company’s more than US$100mn investment in South Africa’s cold chain infrastructure.
According to the logistics group, the strategic investment underscores its long-term commitment to South Africa’s economy and its dedication to delivering value to the nation’s businesses and people.
The inauguration of Belcon Cold Store represents Maersk’s continued focus on strengthening South Africa’s critical cold chain logistics network, Maersk stated, seen as essential for the country’s perishable exports sector.
South Africa’s cold-chain exports, dominated by fresh fruit – particularly citrus and table grapes – account for a substantial portion of the nation’s agricultural exports.
”Maersk has been invested and present in South Africa for over three decades, and our ambition has never been stronger,” confirmed Lubabalo Mtya, managing director of Maersk Southern Africa and Islands.
”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.”
The South African grape industry has faced significant challenges, with delays and broken cold chains in logistics costing up to R1.5bn annually.
The country’s cold chain logistics market has experienced inconsistent performance, leading to substantial losses for exporters of temperature-sensitive produce.
”There was a clear need to strengthen South Africa’s cold chain infrastructure to minimise these losses and support the competitiveness of local exporters,” Mtya continued.
”The Belcon Cold Store directly addresses this critical gap in the market.”
With the inauguration of Belcon, Maersk now operates three ”world-class” cold storage facilities in South Africa – Belcon, Cato, and PreCool.
Together, these facilities form a network designed to support the demanding cold chain logistics requirements of exporters.
Maersk said the three facilities have already ramped up operations during the second half of 2025 and have delivered positive impacts to customers during the critical citrus season, ensuring product quality and reducing waste in the supply chain.
”We are listening to our customers and implementing solutions that go beyond business as usual,” Mtya added.
”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.”
The company said its investment in South Africa’s cold chain network reflects its confidence in the country’s economic potential and its commitment to supporting local industries in competing globally.
”By ensuring reliable, temperature-controlled logistics infrastructure, Maersk is helping South African exporters maintain product quality, reduce losses, and access international markets more effectively,” it said.
”The Belcon Cold Store inauguration reinforces Maersk’s position as a strategic partner to South Africa’s agricultural sector and demonstrates the company’s dedication to delivering solutions that create meaningful impact for the nation’s economy and its people.”
