West Coast College recently received a state-of-the-art CO₂ maritime refrigerated container (Green Reefer), marking a significant milestone in the College’s commitment to sustainable skills development and the advancement of green technologies within South Africa’s maritime refrigeration sector.
The official handover ceremony, held last month, was the culmination of a five-day intensive training programme delivered at the college’s Atlantis Campus, in collaboration with the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy (ACRA). Thirteen participants completed specialised training on the cutting-edge CO2 reefer unit, equipping them with practical skills in environmentally sustainable refrigeration technologies and the safe handling of natural refrigerants. The CO₂ Green Reefer has been made possible through an implementing partnership between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), as part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
The initiative supports the development of critical technical skills while promoting the adoption of natural refrigerants that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Speaking at the handover ceremony, the representative of the German Embassy said: “The CO₂ training reefer is an important milestone in our shared efforts to advance sustainable refrigeration and strengthen technical skills in South Africa.”
The facility will serve as a permanent training asset at West Coast College, enabling current and future students, artisans and industry professionals to gain hands-on experience with modern refrigeration systems that align with global environmental standards and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition objectives. West Coast College Principal, Lungisa Mbulawa, welcomed the partnership and the opportunities it creates for both students and industry: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for West Coast College. Together with our partners, we will continue to build a skilled workforce that supports economic growth, environmental sustainability and the successful implementation of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.”
