A. P. Moller – Maersk has now partnered with Grindrod Limited to provide logistics solutions to enhance its capabilities as a global integrator of logistics in South Africa.
The proposed venture will see the logistics activities of Grindrod Intermodal business and the ocean activities of Ocean Africa Container Lines (OACL) 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, according to a press release, will have a 51% share in this proposed joint venture, which will increase access to landside infrastructure and capabilities that 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,” Jonathan Horn, Maersk Southern Africa and Islands Area Managing Director said
Added he; “We will have a far greater ability to seamlessly integrate solutions between the ocean and the landside whilst weaving into our organization an increased capability and experience through colleagues from Grindrod, who have long held a strong reputation in the landside logistics space.”
Bringing together logistics operations skills and capabilities under this new proposed joint venture will create a base for growth and enable Maersk to excel in the Logistics and Services products execution through better-serving customers via intermodal solutions in trucking, rail, depots, warehousing, and ocean feeding, the statement added.
“Grindrod has been working with Maersk for many years in an area that both organizations are passionate about, understanding our customers’ requirements and finding cost-efficient routes to market,” Xolani Mbambo CEO Grindrod Freight Services said, adding that the combined service offering will provide further flexibility and will ultimately contribute to making a positive difference in South Africa’s trade with the world
The transaction is subject to getting regulatory approvals, including required competition law approvals. The new organization will go live within a few weeks of approval being granted by relevant regulators. Until then, both companies remain separate and will continue to conduct their businesses independently.
