🧊 Maersk inaugurates a new container logistics center

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

In today’s edition:

• Maersk strengthens logistics presence in Colombia with new container logistics centre in Bogota

• UPS Healthcare boosts capacity with European hub expansion

• Food Logistics names Covenant Logistics Group as the recipient of 2024 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers Award

• Fosun Hive, Idera launch Japan Logistics JV with Osaka Cold Chain Buy

News

Maersk strengthens logistics presence in Colombia with new container logistics centre in Bogota Maersk has inaugurated a new container logistics center in Tocancipá, near Bogotá, Colombia.

• This 44,000 sq. m. facility features a 3,378 sq. m. depot, a 23,000 square meter container storage area, and a 651 sq. m. refrigerated container storage space.

• The center can handle up to 1,600 containers and offers various services, including container unloading, storage, and maintenance. Its strategic location aims to reduce transport costs and improve supply chain reliability.

• The facility aligns with Maersk's sustainability goals, incorporating eco-friendly infrastructure and practices. The new center is expected to streamline logistics operations for customers by providing efficient and reliable storage and handling solutions.

• This move reflects Maersk's commitment to expanding its presence in Colombia and enhancing its service offerings in the region. The logistics center is set to play a crucial role in supporting the growing demands of the Colombian market and facilitating international trade. (link)

UPS Healthcare boosts capacity with European hub expansion UPS Healthcare has expanded its European hub in Roermond, Netherlands, adding 21,860 square meters to bolster its capacity for handling complex biopharma products.

• The expansion includes a state-of-the-art freezer farm with over 200 ultra-low temperature freezers and additional storage for approximately 3,200 pallets at temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C.

• This development aims to support the increasing demand for biologic therapeutic drugs, which are projected to grow from $373.5 billion in 2024 to $615 billion by 2029.

• Moreover, the facility is equipped with 2,500 solar panels, aligning with UPS’s sustainability goals by reducing its carbon footprint.

• The expansion underscores UPS Healthcare’s commitment to providing advanced logistics solutions for the healthcare sector, ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of critical medical products across Europe.

• This move not only enhances the company's logistical capabilities but also supports the biopharma industry’s growth by offering reliable storage and transportation solutions for sensitive products. (link)

Food Logistics names Covenant Logistics Group as recipient of 2024 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers Award Covenant Logistics Group has recently been awarded the 2024 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers Award by Food Logistics.

• This prestigious accolade recognizes leading third-party logistics (3PL) and cold storage providers in the cold food and beverage industry.

• The award highlights Covenant's commitment to excellence, efficiency, safety, and reliability, as well as its innovative use of advanced technologies and strong client partnerships.

• The award underscores the essential role that 3PLs and cold storage providers play in building and maintaining resilient supply chains, particularly in the cold food sector.

• This recognition comes as many 3PL and cold storage providers plan significant investments in software solutions to further enhance their capabilities.

• The awardees, including Covenant, will be featured in the May/June 2024 issue of Food Logistics magazine. (link)

Fosun Hive, Idera launch Japan Logistics JV with Osaka Cold Chain Buy Fosun Hive Capital Management and Idera Capital Management, both subsidiaries of Chinese conglomerate Fosun International, have established a joint venture to invest in cold storage logistics projects in Japan.

• The JV's first acquisition is a forward purchase of an energy-efficient cold storage facility in Greater Osaka, with a leasable floor area of over 10,000 square meters, scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025.

• The partners plan to deploy JPY 15B ($100M) in equity for the first tranche to build a portfolio of purpose-built cold storage assets in Osaka and Tokyo.

• Fosun Hive and Idera are contributing 10% of the equity, with the remaining 90% held by a Hong Kong-based capital partner. Fosun Hive will act as fund manager, while Idera will serve as asset manager.

• The demand for modern cold storage facilities in Japan is high, as over 30% of existing facilities are more than 40 years old.

• Global investors continue to show interest in Japan's warehouse segment, with trades of income-earning logistics assets rising nearly 36% last year to $6.9 billion. (link)

Other headlines

Trane Technologies has opened a new Customer Innovation Center in Oberhausen, Germany, to showcase sustainable heating and cooling solutions.

Overhaul has launched Cold Chain Quality software to improve real-time monitoring and management of temperature-sensitive cargo.

Green Road Energy and Hultsteins are collaborating to bring sustainable refrigeration solutions to the US and UK.

Candor Food Chain has launched a reusable cold packaging solution for food shipments, ensuring temperature control for up to nine days.

Oakland International has secured a new site in Knottingley, UK for its operations.

CJ Logistics America is opening a 291,000 sq. ft. cold storage warehouse in New Century, Kansas, by Q3 2025.

That’s it for today!

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