🧊 Registration opens for GCCA European Cold Chain Conference

Welcome back to CubeCold News where we cover the latest developments in the cold chain industry and temperature-controlled logistics.

In today’s edition:

• Registration opens for GCCA European Cold Chain Conference

• Quiet revolution in pharma handling

• Prasco announces strategic collaboration with Frontier Scientific Solution

• SIIM and CMA CGM choose the port of Dunkirk to strengthen imports of exotic fruit

• ACT introduces Polarlink for transport refrigeration unit power

News

Registration opens for GCCA European Cold Chain Conference Registration is now open for the 29th GCCA European Cold Chain Conference, scheduled for March 18-20, 2026, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

• Organized by The Global Cold Chain Alliance in partnership with VDKL (Association of German Cold Storage and Refrigerated Logistics Companies) and Deutsches Tiefkühlinstitut (The German Frozen Food Institute), the event is a major gathering for Europe's temperature-controlled logistics sector.

• The conference attracts leading food and healthcare logistics operators, partners, and contractors to discuss industry trends, challenges, and opportunities for innovation.

• Key topics will include navigating the reshaping European market, new trade routes and digitization, transitioning from F-gas to alternative refrigerants, workforce development, AI implementation for operational benefits, and funding for a resilient, low-carbon future.

• The three-day event features a Cold Chain Expo showcasing latest technologies and innovations, plus a Cold Chain Café for roundtable discussions. (GCCA)

Quiet revolution in pharma handling Swissport is developing purpose-built, modular pharmaceutical facilities at 25 airports worldwide, featuring airside proximity, automated material handling, and multiple temperature zones to minimize dwell time and human error.

• CEO Dirk Goovaerts emphasized creating "cool facilities with intelligence baked in" that operate consistently from Basel to Johannesburg.

• The company's "Edge" facilities incorporate temperature-controlled zones including -20°C for ultra-cold cargo, shorter transfer paths, and prioritized pharma acceptance lanes.

• The modular design extends to other temperature-sensitive commodities, including a flower corridor replicating pharma specifications.

• Sustainability measures include solar-powered warehouses, energy-efficient cooling technologies, and electrified equipment.

• The standardized approach ensures GDP and CEIV certification across facilities while maintaining local operational flexibility and reducing workplace risks through reduced manual handling. (Air Cargo Week)

Prasco announces strategic collaboration with Frontier Scientific Solutions Prasco Laboratories, a leading U.S. pharmaceutical company, has announced a collaboration with Frontier Scientific Solutions, a provider of cGMP-compliant, temperature-controlled logistics.

• This partnership aims to deliver comprehensive supply chain capabilities ensuring end-to-end visibility of time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals globally.

• Prasco, which has partnered with over 65 pharmaceutical companies to launch more than 130 products in the U.S. market, seeks to expand its ability to ensure product integrity and security.

• Steve Uebele, CEO of Frontier Scientific Solutions, stated that the collaboration underscores the growing importance of specialized logistics in the life sciences industry.

• Together, the companies aim to set new standards for pharmaceutical logistics and provide best-in-class solutions to a market projected to grow by 35-45% over the next five years. (AJOT)

SIIM and CMA CGM choose the port of Dunkirk to strengthen imports of exotic fruit SIIM and CMA CGM have signed a strategic agreement for 2026 to transport over 70 refrigerated containers weekly of pineapples and bananas from Latin America to Dunkirk, representing more than 80,000 tons annually.

• This partnership consolidates Dunkirk's position as France's leading port for tropical fruits.

• Starting January 2026, the containers will be transported via CMA CGM's upgraded NEWFI service linking Latin America to Northern Europe, with Dunkirk as the first European port of call.

• These flows, previously routed through Rotterdam and Antwerp, will now be directed to the French port.

• The agreement includes construction of a new logistics and ripening facility adjacent to the container terminal, scheduled for summer 2027.

• CMA CGM will enhance its service from six to seven vessels with increased reefer capacity, adding Puerto Antioquia to facilitate Colombian banana exports. (AJOT)

ACT introduces Polarlink for transport refrigeration unit power Advanced Charging Technologies (ACT) has launched Polarlink, a connected power source for transport refrigeration units (TRUs) designed to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs while trucks are parked.

• The system delivers 25 kW of output power (30A maximum) to support electric operation of refrigerated trailers, minimizing noise, emissions, and maintenance requirements.

• Polarlink features a NEMA 3R weatherproof enclosure that withstands rain, dust, and extreme temperatures from -40°C to +50°C, ensuring continuous operation across distribution centres, cold-chain facilities, and logistics yards.

• Michael K. Nelson, President of ACT, emphasized that Polarlink eliminates diesel use during idle operation while enhancing fleet efficiency. (PR Newswire)

Other headlines

Bluejay Capital Partners recapitalized Quality Life Science Logistics & Transportation, a TAPA Level 1 certified provider of specialized cold chain pharmaceutical transportation services, with founder Terry Fewless retaining significant ownership.

Lineage was named to Inc.'s 2025 Best in Business list in the innovation category for developing streamlined customs bonded warehouse processes that reduced regulatory approval times from six months to four weeks.

Emergent Cold LatAm achieved two new EDGE Zero Carbon certifications for facilities in Santiago, Chile and Irapuato, Mexico, bringing its total to 17 EDGE certifications including six Zero Carbon sites across Latin America.

Hino's 300 Series Hybrid Electric trucks offer logistics and supply chain operators fuel savings of up to 24% while using standard diesel refuelling infrastructure, with models ranging from 4.5 to 8 tonnes GVM.

That’s it for this week!

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