Reefer capacity grows

SAFMARINE regional executive for Africa, Alan Jones, is upbeat about the continued success of South African fruit and auto exports. “The increased reefer capacity on the new, post-panamax Safmarine Big Whites, which are to be phased in at the end of 2004, will provide much needed capacity and stimulate growth of reefer exports.”
Jones says the new tonnage will “pay its way” as growth in South African exports has been limited by the limit in capacity. “We have not seen huge growth to date because the ships have been full.”
He believes South African reefer exports will continue to
be producer-influenced, despite the increasing pressure of large importers such as European supermarket groups, on local producers.
“As consumer demand for product availability and quality increases, so too does the requirement for personalised shipping solutions.”