UNIS logo

    Safi (Maersk-Safmarine) – sometimes treated as Safmarine

    Safmarine was a South African shipping line acquired by Maersk in 1999 and fully integrated in 2020.

    Ports:374
    The iconic Safmarine logo depicts a white star against a blue background representing the shipping companys branding
    A Maersk Safmarine container ship moves swiftly across a blue ocean with a prominent white hull and red waterline markings
    $13.1B
    Revenue
    374
    Ports

    Company Overview

    Safmarine was a South African shipping line acquired by Maersk in 1999 and fully integrated in 2020.

    Key Leadership

    • David Williams – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

    Safmarine operated globally, represented in over 130 countries before full integration into Maersk.

    Equipment & Infrastructure

    Container Types

    • Dry Container

      Standard enclosed container for general cargo, weatherproof and widely used for various goods.

    • Reefer Container

      Refrigerated container with temperature control for perishable items like food and pharmaceuticals.

    Technology Platforms

    • Maersk.com digital logistics platform
    • OneWireless real-time cargo tracking platform

    Warehouses & Logistics Hubs

    Logistics facilities and distribution centers worldwide:

    • Turkey

      Safiport Derince – multipurpose port facility serving Maersk vessels

    • South Africa

      Cape Town Terminal – major container terminal previously used by Safmarine

    Certifications & Capabilities

    SOC 2 Type II ISO 27001:2022 AEO Certified

    Global Locations & Network

    Safi (Maersk-Safmarine) was a South African shipping line acquired by Maersk in 1999. The Safmarine brand was fully integrated into Maersk and ceased operating independently in 2020.

    Carrier Partners & Alliances

    Safmarine, later Maersk-Safmarine, formed alliances to expand African and north–south trade. It partnered with Maersk in 1999, fully integrating into Maersk Line and its global network by 2020.

    Service Portfolio

    Ocean Freight

    • Flexible routing options
    • Cost-effective transport solutions

    Contract Logistics

    • Warehousing and distribution
    • Customs and compliance support

    Special Cargo

    • Reefer container expertise

    Digital Offerings

    Safi (Maersk-Safmarine) refers to Safmarine’s digital platforms now integrated into Maersk.com for booking, tracking, and managing shipments.

    Industry Reputation & News

    Awards & Recognition

    Ship Technology Excellence Awards 2024: Marketing, Environmental DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards 2024: Diversity & Inclusion

    Recent Developments

    Maersk-Safmarine reopened import cargo acceptance to Haifa port as of 25 June 2025.

    Analysis & Future Outlook

    Strengths

    • Strong customer engagement and service focus
    • Extensive footprint and expertise in African markets
    • Access to Maersk’s global network and resources

    Challenges

    • Intense competition on African trade routes
    • Operational delays and congestion at Durban port

    Opportunities

    • Expand digital logistics platforms and AI-driven tracking
    • Invest in methanol-powered vessels for sustainability
    • Leverage market growth in container shipping for 2025