A new state-of-the-art cold storage facility launched in Bellville this week is set to give the Western Cape’s export industry a major lift.
It comes after the Maersk Belcon Cold Store, located at the Belcon Inland Terminal, was officially unveiled on 28 October, marking what officials describe as a significant step forward for the province’s freight, logistics, and export competitiveness.
According to the Western Cape Mobility Department, the facility, developed by global shipping and logistics giant Maersk, brings world-class cold chain capacity to the province, helping streamline the handling of perishable products such as fruit, vegetables, and dairy destined for international markets.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, praised the investment as a milestone for the region’s economic and trade ambitions.
‘This investment aligns with the Western Cape Government’s focus on driving economic growth through mobility and trade logistics and will make a major contribution to our audacious goal of tripling our export volumes by 2035,’ he said.
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He added that the launch ‘marks a turning point in how we move goods from the farm gate to international markets.’ By integrating cold storage, freight rail, and port logistics right here at Belcon, the province is strengthening its position as South Africa’s export hub.
The Belcon Inland Terminal plays a key role in the province’s long-term freight and logistics strategy, as it also forms as the backbone of the Overberg Rail Business Case Pilot, a project aimed at reconnecting the agricultural heartland of Caledon with Belcon and the Port of Cape Town.
The initiative hopes to ‘bring trains back to life’, revitalising dormant rail infrastructure to ensure that goods move efficiently and sustainably.
Minister Sileku emphasised that logistics is more than just about transport. ‘Efficient logistics is not just about moving freight, it’s about moving our economy forward,’ he said. ‘
‘This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between the private sector and government to unlock infrastructure that supports jobs, competitiveness, and growth.’
The facility’s development supports the Western Cape’s broader push toward greener logistics. Inland consolidation of goods is expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and optimise the province’s transport networks.
The Western Cape Mobility Department noted that the Maersk Belcon Cold Store will not only help reduce transport costs for exporters but also stimulate local economic activity and create new employment opportunities. The new hub is expected to speed up turnaround times for exporters operating through the Cape Town Port corridor.
Minister Sileku concluded by highlighting the growing confidence international investors have in the Western Cape.
‘Global companies continue to see the Western Cape as a region worth investing in. This launch strengthens our position as a logistics leader and reaffirms that efficient mobility is at the heart of economic opportunity,’ he said.
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Picture: Western Cape Mobility Department/ Supplied
