ISSN 2412-7779

INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN

Cold Link Africa Online

Cold Link Africa ColdLinkAfrica

VOL. 39- NO. 5 | SEPTEMBER 2025

REGULARS

REGULARS

3 Editor’ s column 34 Buyer’ s guide 35 Word search

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

4 The concentration among shipping alliances and MSC reaches over 80 % of container capacity 4 Philippines fast-tracks cold chain expansion 5 The evolution of refrigeration: how energy efficiency is driving technological innovation

NEWS

6 DFFE’ s roadmap for phasing out global warming substances in HVAC & R

9 Search for data: SA’ s challenge ahead of Kigali Amendment compliance

ASSOCIATIONS

10 Mastering heat exchanger longevity through a focus on water chemistry Part 1

EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS

12 SADC RAC president spearheads regional cold chain development

We want to showcase your projects! Get in touch: eamonn @ interactmedia. co. za

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For the nation ' s cold chain and HVAC & R sector, it marks the beginning of a critical period. With the growing season approaching as temperatures steadily climb, the demand for precise temperature control escalates dramatically. This year, the weather outlook for the 2025 / 26 summer agricultural season is influenced by an initial neutral ENSO( El Niño-Southern Oscillation) state, with a likely return to La Niña conditions later in the season. This nuanced forecast brings varied implications for agricultural output and, consequently, for the cold chain and HVAC & R sector.

Spring in South Africa brings a palpable increase in ambient temperatures. For businesses and consumers alike, this translates into an immediate surge in the need for cooling. Air conditioning systems, dormant through winter, are powered up, and refrigeration units work harder to maintain optimal temperatures.

More critically, the warming weather directly impacts the integrity of temperaturesensitive goods. From fresh produce and dairy to pharmaceuticals and frozen foods, maintaining a consistent cold chain becomes paramount to prevent spoilage, preserve quality and extend shelf life. Any lapse in temperature control at any point – from farm to processing plant, cold storage, transport or retail, can lead to significant, even catastrophic, financial losses and compromised product safety.

The mixed La Niña forecast suggests a potential for above-normal rainfall in some areas, particularly the eastern coastal regions, which could benefit agricultural yields there. However, south-western parts of the country may experience below-normal rainfall during the early spring, potentially impacting early season crops in those areas. Temperatures are generally expected to be above normal for most of the country, with the exception of southern coastal areas. This varied outlook means that while some regions may anticipate abundant harvests, others might face drier conditions, leading to a more localised and complex agricultural picture for South Africa ' s highly valued export products.

This varied agricultural outlook, with potential abundance in some regions and drier conditions in others, places the cold chain firmly in the spotlight. Efficiently managing diverse regional outputs and ensuring quality across varied climatic conditions will require robust, reliable and energy-efficient cold chain infrastructure for every ton of fruit or vegetable destined for overseas markets. This encompasses:

• On-farm pre-cooling: Rapidly removing field heat to preserve freshness

• Packhouse refrigeration: Maintaining optimal temperatures during sorting and packaging

• Cold storage facilities: Ensuring stable

13 Chef Bertus Basson on the indispensable role of refrigeration in the culinary world 14 SAIRAC Joburg Centre’ s Christmas in July and AGM 15 Improving ammonia refrigeration efficiency by leveraging ambient heat

FEATURE

21 The delicate dance of post-harvest

PROJECT

25 From freezer to fresh: CCH drives multi-purpose cold chain transformation at Epping

CONTRIBUTORS

30 Replacing R22: the pros and cons of drop-in and retrofitting refrigerants

31 Advanced temperature tracking to modernise Africa’ s cold chain logistics

32 Ammonia refrigeration training in SA: addressing the‘ no trade test’ dilemma

33 Contract management: beyond pricing – ensuring performance and clarity in complex agreements

conditions for products awaiting transport

• Reefer containers and refrigerated transport: Providing continuous temperature control during road, rail and sea transit

• Port cold chain infrastructure: Efficient handling and connection to power at ports to prevent temperature excursions

The integrity of this entire chain is non-negotiable. A strong cold chain safeguards product quality, extends shelf life and ensures compliance with stringent international market standards. Without it, the promise of a good growing season could be undermined by post-harvest losses, impacting South Africa ' s reputation as a reliable supplier of premium agricultural products.

The industry ' s ability to respond to these demands directly impacts the success of the agricultural export season. Investment in advanced refrigeration technologies, smart monitoring systems and a competent technical workforce will be crucial for managing the increased volumes efficiently and sustainably.

As South Africa steps into spring, the interconnectedness of climate, agriculture and the cold chain is more evident than ever. The nuanced weather outlook, with its regional variations in rainfall and generally warmer temperatures, presents both opportunities and challenges for the nation ' s agricultural exports.

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EDITOR’ S COLUMN

Ensuring that refrigeration and air conditioning systems are well-maintained, energy-efficient, and capable of handling increased loads will be key. Embracing sustainable technologies and investing in the skills required to manage them will not only support a prosperous agricultural season but also fortify South Africa ' s position in the global cold economy, ensuring that the bounty of spring safely reaches markets worldwide.

Given the inherently complex and highrisk nature of perishable goods export, particularly concerning the intricate web of sales, carriage and insurance contracts, our magazine will feature a timeous look at the critical legal and insurance frameworks essential for safeguarding these valuable shipments, as well as a post-harvest systems feature. CLA

Eamonn

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