Introduction
Green Africa Container Depot is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Green
Africa Group.
With a proud legacy and an impressive track record, Green Africa
Container Depot is a prominent and respected name in the container
industry. Operating three container depots and two warehouses with a
combined square meterage of 4 400sqm, the company's footprint covers
Durban and Johannesburg. Annually, over 45 000 empty containers, more
than 4 500 full containers and an estimated 20 000 freight tons of
cargo pass through Green Africa Container Depot. |
| |
| The
vision of Captain JJ Chen, Green
Africa Container Depot was founded in January 1996 as a direct result of Evergreen Agency (SA) activity
and
the Evergreen
Marine Corporation’s
requirement for empty container storage,
handling and repair services in South Africa. Like so many Green Africa
Group companies, the function was previously outsourced, but was
brought in-house to streamline efficiencies, improve synergies, save
costs and broaden the commercial base. |
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The
first depot became operational in
Wychwood, Johannesburg in May 1996, and two years later, the Durban
depot opened its doors.
In January 2000, Green Africa Container Depot was granted a customs and
excise license to handle and store un-cleared containers. This event
was a major turning point in the company’s history and
necessitated a series of significant changes, which saw the Durban
depot upgraded to a full container storage facility. A new empty
container depot was secured in the same area. |
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| In
2001, Green Africa Container Depot
extended its services to other clients and shipping lines. Such was the
success of the decision that in 2006 the company acquired its largest
depot to date in City Deep, Johannesburg. Developed by Green Africa
Properties, the enhanced
capacity was created to meet the
ever-increasing needs of the market and meant that the Wychwood depot
could be consolidated into a single site. The spacious new facility
opened in August 2007. |
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Services
The empty container depot provides the services of: |
| • |
Handling
|
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Storage
|
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Washing
|
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Minor
repairs |
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Preparing
containers to container
operator standards |
|
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| The
full container depots offer: |
| • |
Handling
and storage of full
containers |
| • |
A
specialised facility for the
preparation, maintenance and technical repairs of refrigerated
containers |
| • |
A
reefer technician on call 24
hours a day |
|
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| Container
management services cover: |
| • |
Full
and empty container storage |
| • |
Container
repairs and
washing/cleaning |
| • |
Refrigerated
container storage,
washing and repairs |
|
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| The
cargo management department handles: |
| • |
Unpacking/packing
of import and
export cargoes |
| • |
Customs
unpack and repack |
| • |
Customs
stops and tailboard
examinations |
| • |
Cargo
storage and inventory control |
| • |
Bonded
warehousing |
| • |
Plant
inspections and state
veterinarian inspections |
| • |
Heavy
and out-of-gauge cargo
handling |
| • |
Dry
bulk container loading |
| • |
Hazardous
cargo handling and
storage |
| • |
Strapping,
palletising, shrink
wrapping and repairs |
|
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Leadership
drivers
Green Africa Container Depot is known for its reliable, flexible and
innovative services portfolio, which is uniquely tailored to meet the
needs of individual clients. The resources offered by the broader Group
further extend this capability.
The management team, led by Captain JJ Chen’s eldest son,
Timmy,
has many years experience in the maritime industry and their skills,
expertise and professionalism are evident in what the company has
managed to achieve since its inception.
To drive operational efficiencies, improve productivity and ensure
faster turnaround times, the company has made substantial investments
into ‘next generation’ machinery and equipment,
particularly: |
| • |
Container
stackers |
| • |
Reach
stackers |
| • |
Forklifts
|
| • |
Utility
vehicles |
|
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The
proximity of the container depots in
Durban is advantageous from an operations point of view and enables
cooperation in terms of problem solving.
Maintaining the integrity of un-cleared containers and protecting
expensive cargo is a priority and state-of-the-art security systems,
monitoring equipment, access control mechanisms and comprehensive
insurance policies are in place. |
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| Accreditations
include: |
| • |
A
Customs & Excise license to
handle and store un-cleared containers. |
| • |
The
full container depot in Durban
is registered as a Food Business Operator with the Perishable Products
Export Control Board. |
| • |
Accredited
by the South African
Port Operations as a storage facility for overstay containers. (This
has given Green Africa Container Depot the opportunity to secure new
trading partners and form international strategic alliances.) |
| • |
In
the process of obtaining ISO9001
accreditation from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). |
|
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Outlook
Growing market share is a key focus for the future.
A number of programmes are in place to realise that objective, for
example: |
| • |
Acquire
more depot space |
| • |
Develop
client-friendly, online
tools for container and cargo tracking |
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Create
a marketing department to
promote the company |
| • |
Invest
in staff training
initiatives |
|