Implementation of Innovative Logistics and Supply Structures in the Refrigerated Transport Sector in South Africa

The project aimed to encourage environmentally-friendly development in the sector. This involved undertaking an analysis of the sector and a technical needs assessment as well as installing and demonstrating suitable technology on a pilot basis. Measures to provide qualifications were implemented and a monitoring system put in place to measure, report and verify emissions reductions. The transportation of chilled goods causes both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, for example through the use of refrigerants (which are still fluorinated) and the energy required to cool the refrigerated areas in distribution centres and delivery vehicles.

Project data

Countries: South Africa
IKI funding: 3,402,053.55 €
Duration: 06/2012 till 05/2017
Status: completed
Implementing organisation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Political Partner: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – South Africa*

Department of Transport - South Africa
Implementing Partner: Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) - South Africa*

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State of implementation/results

Project completed.
A steering committee has been set up to coordinate project activities with participating partners from ministries, industry, associations and the research community.
The sector analysis on ‘refrigerated transport’ has been completed and agreed with the partners. Priority measures were identified:
construction of a test chamber for determining the thermal efficiency of insulation for refrigerated vehicle bodies - alongside support for local vehicle manufacturers in improving the insulation performance of their products
piloting the use of natural refrigerants.
In 2014/2015, South African representatives from the private sector and ministries took part in study trips to Germany in order to learn about possible reduction measures as well as the policy and institutional conditions needed to ensure the successful long-term operation of the test chamber.
The construction of the first test chamber on the African continent for measuring insulation performance of refrigeration vehicle bodies – in line with the 'Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Equipment to be used for such Carriage' (ATP) – is be completed and the inauguration took place in May 2017.
The local operator of the test chamber is 'South African Bureau of Standards' (SABS).
In parallel, a national testing standard and a certification system with corresponding minimum criteria have been developed.
A transport refrigeration system prototype was built for medium-weight refrigerated vehicles using hydrocarbons as a natural refrigerant together with local partners from industry and the research community in South Africa. Safety audits and field tests are being conducted.
The project was presented at several technical events (i.a. Cold Chain Summit, Cape town (10/2015); Side Event of the 27th Conference of the Parties of the Montreal Protocol, Dubai (11/2015); Atmosphere Conference, Barcelona (04/2016))

Latest Update:
03/2025