CAPE TOWN: In order to enhance its capabilities as a
global integrator of logistics in South Africa, A. P. Moller –
Maersk now takes the next step to partner with Grindrod
Limited to provide logistics solutions.
Through this proposed joint venture, the logistics
activities of Grindrod Intermodal business and the ocean
activities of Ocean Africa Container Lines (OACL) will
complement Maersk’s current Ocean capabilities and
Logistics & Services, enabling customers seamless access
to a wider range of end-to-end supply chain solutions.
Maersk will have a 51% share in this proposed joint venture
which will increase access to landside infrastructure and
capabilities which are critical to delivering reliable logistics
solutions.
With over 100 years of experience The Grindrod Group is
a well-known and trusted partner in South Africa. It is the
ambition of Maersk to build on the foundation of Grindrod to
expand its offerings to customers.
“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 solutions in South Africa. 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
landside logistics space’”said Jonathan Horn, Maersk
Southern Africa and Islands Area Managing Director.
Bringing together logistics operations skills and
capabilities under this new proposed joint venture will
create a base for growth and enable Maersk to exclel in the
Logistics & Services products execution through better
serving customers via intermodal solutions in trucking, rail,
depots, warehousing, and ocean feedering.
“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,”said Xolani Mbambo,
CEO GRINDROD Freight Services.
Customers looking for end-to-end solutions in South
Africa will continue to work with Maersk, however after
closing most of the landside execution will be done by the
proposed new joint venture.
The transaction is subject to obtaining regulatory
approvals, including required competition law approvals.
The new organization will be formed and go live within a
few weeks of approval being granted by relevant
regulators. Until then both companies remain separate
a n d w i l l c o n t i n u e t o c o n d u c t t h e i r b u s i n e s s e s
independently
