To offset the scarcity of reefer containers in South Africa, ahead of the upcoming citrus season and to support the nation’s agricultural sector, A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk), the world’s renowned integrated container logistics company, has brought 1,800 empty refrigerated 40-foot containers from the Middle East, as additional stock to serve customers.
Refrigerated containers delivery
There is additional supply to come and this will complement the refrigerated containers that are already in the country and available to customers.
The containers have departed from the Jebel Ali port, located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are expected to arrive in Durban, South Africa, in early May 2020, in order to be distributed among Maersk and Safmarine customers.
Shortage of reefer containers in South Africa
Reefer containers are currently scarce in South Africa, due to the imbalance in trade flows
Reefer containers are currently scarce in South Africa, due to the imbalance in trade flows, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown in China, in the first quarter of 2020 and the expected stronger demand for South African fruit.
Jonathan Horn, the Managing Director for Maersk Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at A.P. Moller Maersk, said “Knowing the importance of the upcoming export season to our customers, as well as the South African economy, Maersk remains committed to serve our South African reefer customers, by ensuring their fresh citrus continues to be delivered globally.”
Maersk's logistics solutions
Jonathan Horn adds, “We will continue to support South African companies, industry and producers, with viable solutions to work through the current challenging scenario, to keep their goods moving.”
Maersk offer multiple solutions to customers in South Africa, such as Phytosanitary Certification, customs house brokerage, cold storage and a comprehensive array of inland haulage solutions.
Vast array of digital offerings
Maersk’s vast array of digital offerings allows customers to continue their business online and to track goods worldwide, using the company’s app.
Since February 2020, Maersk has developed several global solutions for customers to work through the current challenging trade scenario. They include providing alternative sea and land routes, terminals, cold-storage depots in China and Russia, extra trucking services, rail services support, daily advisories, and updating customers worldwide on how to keep their goods moving.
