By Eamonn Ryan
Maersk has officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art Belcon Cold Store in Cape Town – a landmark project representing more than USD100-million (R1.72-billion) in investment and marking a new chapter in South Africa’s perishable export logistics.
The facility forms part of Maersk’s strategic push to reinforce the country’s cold chain infrastructure, which underpins billions in agricultural exports – particularly citrus, grapes and other fresh produce.
A milestone in cold chain modernisation
The Belcon Cold Store is designed to eliminate one of the industry’s biggest risks – breaks in the cold chain that can turn premium produce into costly losses. South Africa’s table grape sector alone has suffered annual losses of up to R1.5-billion due to logistical delays and temperature disruptions.
“The logistics of perishables are unforgiving. A single break in the cold chain can turn premium produce into significant losses. Belcon was built to change that narrative,” said Lubabalo Mtya, managing director of Maersk Southern Africa & Islands, speaking at the opening ceremony.
He added that the project reflects Maersk’s long-term commitment to the South African market. “Maersk has been invested and present in South Africa for over three decades, and our ambition has never been stronger. We are building logistics solutions that create tangible value for our customers while contributing to South Africa’s economic prosperity and the livelihoods of its people,” Mtya said.
World-class logistics hub building resilience, sustainability and jobs
Operational since June 2025, the Belcon facility offers 32 000 pallet positions, direct rail and road connectivity to the Port of Cape Town, and an on-site container depot to streamline operations. It forms part of a triad of Maersk cold storage facilities – along with Cato Ridge and PreCool near Durban– providing exporters with comprehensive coverage across South Africa’s two main agricultural corridors.
The site handled over 50 000 pallets within its first three months, surpassing its initial targets. During the 2025 citrus peak season, the Belcon team managed inbound trucking, temperature monitoring and vessel scheduling with precision, earning high praise from exporters.
Said Richard Morgan, Maersk’s regional managing director for India, the Middle East and Africa: “Every hour matters when quality preservation is paramount. This facility is far more than a building – it’s a thriving hub supporting South Africa’s vital export industries.”
With the table grape season approaching (at the time of the inauguration), Belcon is positioned to handle the surge with proven systems and an experienced team. “Table grapes are South Africa’s export jewel, a premium product that demands premium handling. Our commitment to our customers is unwavering,” Morgan said. Belcon is an integral part of Maersk’s end- to-end logistics ecosystem, which manages every stage – from farm collection and cold storage customs clearance, ocean freight and final delivery. Belcon is an integral part of Maersk’s end-to-end logistics ecosystem. The company’s global network of nearly 700 vessels serving 130 countries ensures seamless international connectivity.
“We’re not only delivering ocean shipping – we’re providing complete logistics solutions that address our customers’ most pressing challenges,” Mtya said.
Building resilience, sustainability and jobs
Construction began in April 2024, with the first pallet received in May 2025. The project was completed in record time despite global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.
According to Thabo Moloi, Maersk’s area head for contract logistics, “It’s a very emotional day. This cold store completes the logistics park we’ve envisioned for years – and today we see it come to life.”
The development generated over 700 local jobs during construction and now sustains 55 permanent and 100 seasonal positions annually. Local recruitment and skills training were prioritised throughout, ensuring surrounding communities shared in the benefits.
Maersk has also launched two major community initiatives:
- A two-year Entrepreneurial Development Programme to equip small businesses to participate in its supply chain
- A Reefer Technician Training Initiative in partnership with local institutions to provide technical skills and career pathways for youth
Belcon’s design is energy- and resource- efficient, using 40% less water than comparable cold stores and operating largely on renewable energy. A 2.2MW solar installation will eventually be commissioned to reduce grid dependency. The advanced CO₂-based cooling systems further enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact, supporting Maersk’s global net-zero emissions goal by 2040.
The facility is also preparing to secure FSSC 22000 certification, reinforcing world- class standards for food safety and quality.
A catalyst for trade and growth
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mtya thanked customers, partners and the Western Cape government for their support, noting that the facility “is more than a building – it’s an enabler of trade, jobs and growth. With the right infrastructure and technology, South Africa can minimise losses, maximise quality and compete with the very best in the world”.
Morgan concluded, “When South African citrus and grapes arrive overseas in pristine condition, that’s when we truly succeed. Your success is our success.”
Engineering excellence in co₂: inside Maersk’s Belcon Cold Store
Maersk’s newly inaugurated Belcon Cold Store in Cape Town represents one of the most technically advanced refrigeration installations in South Africa to date – and a new benchmark in cold chain efficiency for the export of perishables. Designed and engineered by Future Green Now (FGN), the facility delivers 6.8MW of cooling capacity and integrates advanced CO₂ refrigeration systems, achieving around 20% greater efficiency than originally projected.
According to Chris Carelson, design engineering consultant at FGN, “the brief was to create a facility that was efficient, sustainable and scalable – with the flexibility to accommodate future export needs and shifting product lines”.
Strategically located in Belcon Logistics Park near the Port of Cape Town, the Belcon Cold Store forms part of Maersk’s broader multimodal logistics network. The facility integrates road and rail links directly to the harbour, reducing truck congestion and improving container turnaround times.
“The placement is key,” explains Henk MacDonald, chief sales and marketing officer at HC Engineering Solutions. “Fruit can move from inland packhouses to Belcon and from there directly by train into the port – without unnecessary road handling or delays. It’s an important step forward for export logistics in the Western Cape.”
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