🧊 Port of Antwerp-Bruges sets new reefer record

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

In today’s edition:

• DHL launches dedicated intercontinental air freight network for healthcare logistics

• Ahold Delhaize invests $860 million in a new cold storage distribution centre

• Cold Chain Technologies partners with Gobi Technologies for cell and gene therapy shipping

• Port of Antwerp-Bruges sets new reefer record in 2025

• Dublin Port invests €3.4 million in new refrigerated container infrastructure

News

DHL launches dedicated intercontinental air freight network for healthcare logistics DHL Group unveiled a dedicated temperature controlled air freight network that links more than thirty Good Distribution Practice aviation hubs across Europe, North America and Asia.

• The programme adds a Boeing 777 freighter route between Brussels and Cincinnati and will use purpose‑built stations, active containers and digital monitoring to handle temperature sensitive biologics and vaccines.

• DHL says the network reduces reliance on third party carriers, increases resilience and enables “door‑to‑door” cold chain solutions while lowering passive packaging waste.

• The service forms part of the group’s €2 billion healthcare logistics investment and aims to provide flexibility and capacity in an increasingly biologic‑driven pharmaceutical market.

• By controlling freighter capacity and ground handling, DHL expects to improve transit times and control quality risks in critical healthcare supply chains. (DHL)

Ahold Delhaize invests $860 million in a new cold storage distribution centre Ahold Delhaize USA, parent of grocery chains Food Lion and Giant, announced an $860 million investment to build a distribution centre in Burlington, North Carolina.

• The facility will exceed one million sq ft of fresh and frozen space, making it the company’s largest U.S. distribution centre.

• Designed with automation and sustainability in mind, the site will consolidate supply for meat, produce and frozen foods and is a key element of the company’s five‑year U.S. supply chain modernisation plan.

• It responds to growing regional demand for perishable goods and aims to improve efficiency and reduce waste by centralising cold chain operations. (Supply Chain 24/7)

Cold Chain Technologies partners with Gobi Technologies for cell and gene therapy shipping Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) has announced a strategic partnership with Gobi Technologies, making CCT the primary commercial supplier of Gobi's Altai shipper, a self-cooling thermal packaging solution designed for cell and gene therapy logistics.

• Unlike traditional active or passive systems, the Altai shipper requires no power or phase change material pre-conditioning, activating with a simple switch flip.

• It maintains temperatures of +2°C to +8°C and +15°C to +25°C for 96+ hours under extreme conditions and supports both single-use and multiple-use applications.

• The solution is particularly suited for apheresis product transport, where unpredictable collection schedules demand highly agile supply chains.

• The Altai system also integrates with CCT's digital platform, CCT Smart Solutions, providing real-time location and condition visibility. (CAAS)

Port of Antwerp-Bruges sets new reefer record in 2025 Port of Antwerp-Bruges closed 2025 with a record breaking year in the reefer segment, handling 1,170,394 TEU of reefer containers - the highest volume ever recorded at the port and a 0.6% increase over 2024.

• Growth was primarily driven by a 13.5% rise in import volumes, with exports remaining largely stable (+0.9%) and transhipment declining slightly (-4.4%) due to carrier schedule changes.

• Nearly one in ten containers arriving at the port is a fully operational reefer unit, underscoring the strategic importance of the cold chain to port operations.

• Approximately 90% of reefer imports consist of fresh products such as fruit, vegetables, and meat/fish, with Latin America as the primary origin region.

• The port showcased its reefer cluster capabilities at Fruit Logistica in Berlin alongside eight industry co-exhibitors. (Port of Antwerp Bruges)

Dublin Port invests €3.4 million in new refrigerated container infrastructure Dublin Port has completed a €3.4 million investment in new cold chain infrastructure, marking an eight-year licence agreement with Doyle Shipping Group to operate reefer gantries at the DSG container terminal.

• Constructed by Wills Bros, the installation features 140 built-in power outlets across four purpose-built steel frames, enabling refrigerated containers to be stacked up to five high.

• A new substation is being built alongside the facility to support the expanded capacity.

• The investment comes as Dublin Port recorded its busiest LoLo year in 2025, with 9% volume growth.

• The infrastructure supports temperature-sensitive cargo including dairy, meat, fish, fruit, and pharmaceuticals.

• The port currently has 12 projects on site and plans to increase annual capital investment to an average of €175 million in the coming years. (HGV Ireland)

Other headlines

Arla Foods and XPO Logistics plan to build a 285,000 sq ft automated chilled distribution centre at DIRFT in the UK, consolidating 30 regional sites into one rail-connected hub, with 400 jobs expected at its 2027 opening.

Saudi Arabia's Sisco, through portfolio company Green Dome Investments, acquired 100% of Dubai-based smart cold chain logistics provider Transcorp International for SAR230 million ($61.2 million).

Polar King launched the Everest Edition, the industry's first solar-assist electric refrigerated and freezer trailer, featuring a hybrid solar and DC charging system with zero on-site emissions, a 0°F to 50°F range, and flexible AC/DC charging.

Frigoveneta acquired SAIM Impianti and SAIM Service, expanding into Central and Southern Italy and adding modified atmosphere storage and natural refrigerant expertise to target the €12 billion European refrigeration market.

Lineage named seven 2025 Carrier of the Year winners across US and Canadian truckload, LTL, and drayage categories, with J.S. Helwig & Son, MC Van Kampen Trucking, and Al-Amin Brothers Transportation earning back-to-back honours.

That’s it for this week!

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