Maersk takes majority share in South African freight firm

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has taken steps to form a partnership with freight transportation company Grindrod to enhance its capabilities as an integrator of logistics in South Africa.

In a statement from Maersk, it stated that through this proposed joint venture, the logistics of Grindrod Intermodal business and the ocean activities of Ocean Africa Container Lines (OACL) will complement Maersk’s current ocean capabilities and logistics and services, enabling customers seamless access to a wider range of end-to-end supply solutions.

Maersk is set to control 51% of the shares of this venture.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Grindrod in this proposed joint venture so that we can offer our customers even better value and true end-to-end integrated logistics in South Africa,” said Jonathan Horn, Area Managing Director for Maersk Southern Africa, and Islands.

“We will have a far greater ability to seamlessly integrate solutions between ocean and the landside whilst weaving into our organisation an increased capability and experience through colleagues from Grindrod, who has long held a strong reputation in the landslide logistics space.”

Combining the logistics operations skills and capabilities from both parties under this new proposed joint venture is said to create a base for growth and enable the shipping line to better serve customers via intermodal solutions in trucking, rail, depots, warehousing, and ocean feedering.

Xolani Mbambo, CEO of Grindrod Freight Services, added “Grindrod has been working with Maersk for many years in an area that both organisations are passionate about, understanding our customers’ requirements and finding cost-effective and efficient routes to market.

“Our combined service offering will provide further flexibility and will ultimately contribute to making a positive difference in South Africa’s trade with the world.”

Maersk has also recently announced it has formed a long-term strategic partnership with wind turbine manufacturer Vestas for all containerised transport. Announced in November 2021, the partnership includes door-to-door transport from the company’s suppliers to their factories and service warehouses as well as containerised site parts and transport equipment.

This partnership is effective from 1 January 2022.