By Eamonn Ryan
Freight and logistics company Grindrod has unveiled the first phase of its new R200-million container depot in Salt River, Cape Town, a facility set to become a key link in the region’s cold chain and export logistics network.
Situated just three kilometres from the Port of Cape Town and adjacent to Salt River train station, the new depot is already partially operational due to strong demand from exporters, particularly those moving temperature-sensitive goods. The first phase, valued at R60-million, spans 40 000m² and can handle up to 5 000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
Grindrod CEO Xolani Mbambo told Moneyweb that the facility will play an increasingly strategic role in supporting exporters who rely on consistent cold storage and efficient transport links. Once the second phase is completed, the combined depot could accommodate up to 10 000 TEUs, depending on the final configuration.
“This investment strengthens the backbone of Western Cape exports – especially fresh produce and other perishable commodities that depend on reliable cold chain infrastructure,” Mbambo told Moneyweb.
Preparing for cold storage
According to Mohamed Rahim, Grindrod’s group property manager, Phase 1 included extensive site rehabilitation and upgrades to handle heavy equipment and full containers. Phase 2, now under construction, will add another 23 000m² to the site and is expected to include a cold storage facility or bulk handling warehouse – expanding the region’s capacity to store and process temperature-controlled cargo.
Rahim told Moneyweb that discussions are underway to ensure the expanded depot is rail-linked to the port, improving efficiency and reducing truck congestion, especially for refrigerated and frozen exports.
The project also aims to support bulk mineral exports from the Northern Cape, showing the site’s flexibility in handling both dry and cold cargo.
Easing port pressure
Cape Town’s port operations are notoriously affected by strong southeasterly winds during the summer, which can halt crane operations and delay shipments. The Salt River depot will act as a staging area, allowing container trucks – including those carrying cold cargo – to load and offload continuously, even when port activities are disrupted.
Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for agriculture, economic development and tourism, said the investment fits into the province’s broader drive to modernise logistics infrastructure and ensure more reliable export channels. “The depot creates continuity in the cold chain. It ensures that products such as fruit, vegetables, and seafood can keep moving even when wind conditions force temporary shutdowns at the port.”
With dual-lane access roads and plans to accommodate up to 60 trucks at a time, the depot will ease bottlenecks and keep perishable exports flowing smoothly.
Once fully operational, Grindrod’s Salt River depot is expected to become a cornerstone of Cape Town’s cold chain logistics, linking storage, rail, and port operations in a way that helps exporters maintain product integrity – and South Africa’s reputation for quality – from farm to foreign markets.
Reference:
- Moneyweb