SCL to set up specialist reefer unit

SAFMARINE & CMBT Lines (SCL) is to create a specialist marketing advisory and technical support unit from October 1.
Under the arrangement, believed to be unique in southern Africa, shippers of perishable products will have a single point of entry for the shipment of containerised fruit and other temperature-controlled cargo.
The move has been prompted by rapid market developments following the deregulation in South Africa of the fruit industry, with the evolution of an increasing number of exporters, and a growing requirement for value-added and specialised services.
Jan Kruger, SCL reefer executive, heads the new unit. A comprehensive range of services and equipment will be available, including 'door-to-door' shipment options. Advice will also be available on transport modes best suited to individual needs.
SCL, together with its alliance partner Deutsche Afrika-Linen (DAL) will continue the containerised liner shipping service from southern Africa to Europe via its membership of the Southern Africa Europe Container Service (SAECS), the named-day weekly operation.
In addition, the SCL Reefer unit has similar services to North America, South East Asia and the Far East.
Controlled atmosphere container shipments, arranged in conjunction with business partner TransFresh, will cater for the increasing sub tropical fruit market, especially avocados, which are highly regarded overseas.
Rural fruit growers in South Africa will be provided with a custom-built 'genset', a self-powered generating unit which can operate for many days and which clips onto integral reefer containers, providing power to the unit and maintaining correct temperature levels.
Kruger, who will continue to act in his day-to-day capacity as local chairman of the Europe Southern Africa Conference, said of SAECS' future:
SAECS will be there in 1999 and beyond, and the consortium will be competitive. The backbone of our reefer system of exports to Europe has been the 'porthole' container types which are expected to last another five years.
That system is not likely to be replaced by similar equipment and we are, therefore, already actively engaged in evaluating alternative options to meet our clients' needs for the new century.