MSC announced the opening of a state-of-the-art 15,000-metre cold storage facility in Durban, South Africa.
The facility, part of MSC’s MEDLOG logistics division, aims to catalyse advancements in the handling of perishable goods in South Africa and beyond and open up the country’s trade landscape.
An inaugural event for the cold storage facility took place on 7 March, attended by MSC CEO Soren Toft, with the presence of government officials, industry partners, clients and MSC personnel.
Toft said, “This investment marks an exciting new milestone for exporters and importers of fresh produce across South Africa. It exemplifies our ongoing efforts to provide value-added services to our customers, while contributing to the development of the local economy. We want to help South Africa achieve its vision to become sustainable, economically prosperous and self-reliant.”
The cold storage facility has a capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 pallets. Strategically located as a hub for both imports and exports, the facility represents a paradigm shift in storage and logistics capabilities for South Africa, noted MSC.
Import commodities that can now be expanded include goods such as chicken sourced from Brazil, the US and Poland, while exports primarily comprise citrus destined for markets in Europe, the Middle East and Far East/Asia, according to an MSC’s statement.
Jose Carlos Garcia, MEDLOG Warehousing & Distribution Manager, said, “The building features convertible rooms to accommodate both chilled and frozen cargo, as well as mobile racks to optimize space. The warehouse management system is fully integrated with the PPECB (Perishable Produce Export Control Board) database to ensure regulatory compliance and full traceability.”
