Safmarine Container Tracking
Enter a container number to check live tracking availability for Safmarine. If the shipping line is still being onboarded, you can send a carrier request from the result.
Track your Safmarine shipment
Safmarine
SCAC: SAFM
South African line founded in 1946, absorbed into Maersk and retired as a brand by end of 2020.
Safmarine, short for the South African Marine Corporation, began in June 1946 in Cape Town, founded by South African industrialists and American ship owners who put three surplus wartime Victory ships into service. Over the following decades it grew into a specialist on north-south routes, best known for connecting Africa with Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. At its height the line was represented in more than 130 countries and employed over 1,200 seafarers.
Safmarine at a glance
- Headquarters
- Antwerp, Belgium
- Founded
- 1946
- Parent group
- Maersk
- Alliance
- None (brand discontinued 2020; absorbed into Maersk)
- Main trade lanes
- Africa-Europe, Africa-Asia, Africa-Americas, reefer exports from South Africa
- Official website
- www.safmarine.com
About Safmarine
Safmarine, short for the South African Marine Corporation, began in June 1946 in Cape Town, founded by South African industrialists and American ship owners who put three surplus wartime Victory ships into service. Over the following decades it grew into a specialist on north-south routes, best known for connecting Africa with Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. At its height the line was represented in more than 130 countries and employed over 1,200 seafarers.
The company built a particular reputation in refrigerated cargo, running reefer ships that carried temperature-controlled fruit from South Africa to the UK and continental Europe. Its container vessels, painted in a distinctive livery, were nicknamed the Big Whites. In 1996 Safmarine acquired the Belgian line CMBT and moved its registered headquarters to Antwerp, though its identity stayed rooted in African trade.
Maersk bought Safmarine in 1999 and, unusually, kept the brand alive rather than folding it in immediately. That changed in 2020, when Maersk consolidated its subsidiaries: the Safmarine and Damco brands were retired, with the Safmarine business absorbed into the main Maersk network from October 1, 2020. Safmarine no longer operates as a separate carrier, so shipments once booked under it now move under Maersk.
Safmarine container tracking FAQ
Does Safmarine still operate as a separate shipping line?
No. Maersk retired the Safmarine brand at the end of 2020, absorbing its business into the main Maersk network from October 1, 2020. Cargo once handled by Safmarine now moves under Maersk.
What does the SCAC code SAFM identify?
SAFM is the Standard Carrier Alpha Code historically assigned to Safmarine (South African Marine Corporation). It may still appear on older bills of lading and documentation even though the brand is no longer active.
Where was Safmarine founded and headquartered?
Safmarine was founded in Cape Town, South Africa, in June 1946. In 1996 it moved its registered headquarters to Antwerp, Belgium, after acquiring the Belgian line CMBT.
How do I check Safmarine tracking availability on Panvaya?
Enter a Safmarine container number in the tracker on this page. If the carrier integration is available, Panvaya returns the shipment milestones and route. If it is still being onboarded, you can send a carrier request and ask to be notified when support becomes available.
What is Safmarine's SCAC code?
Safmarine's SCAC code is SAFM. It identifies Safmarine on bills of lading and shipping documents and helps Panvaya match a reference to the correct carrier integration.
Can I track Safmarine containers by Bill of Lading or booking number?
Bill of Lading and booking tracking is available after sign-in when Panvaya supports that reference type for Safmarine. Carrier capabilities vary, so Panvaya shows a clear availability message instead of returning incomplete tracking data.
Is Safmarine container tracking free on Panvaya?
A guest can check one container without signing in when Safmarine tracking is supported. A Panvaya account is required for saved journeys, Bill of Lading or booking tracking, exception alerts, and additional shipments.
Why isn't my Safmarine container updating?
Carrier milestones can appear after the physical movement occurs. If Safmarine is supported and the container is valid, a quiet timeline may mean the next event has not yet been published. If the carrier is not yet available, Panvaya will show an onboarding message and a carrier-request option.
How accurate is the ETA for Safmarine shipments?
When Safmarine tracking is supported and enough journey data is available, Panvaya updates the displayed arrival estimate as new milestones and vessel information arrive. Any ETA remains an estimate rather than a delivery guarantee.