🧊 Americold to build a cold storage facility in Port Saint John, Canada

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

In today’s edition:

• Americold to build a cold storage facility in Port Saint John, Canada

• Vertical Cold Storage acquires Savannah facility

• DS Smith unveils temperature-controlled pharmaceutical packaging

• The Global Cold Chain Alliance's 28th European Cold Chain Conference

News

Americold to build a cold storage facility in Port Saint John, Canada leveraging strategic partnerships with DP World and CPKC Americold Realty Trust announced plans to build its first Import-Export Hub in Port Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, marking a unique collaboration with DP World and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).

• The $75-80 million facility will provide 22,000 pallet positions and is expected to create up to 100 jobs by 2029, supported by a $1.01 million payroll rebate from Opportunities NB.

• The cold storage facility will primarily serve to connect Central and Eastern Canada with Europe, South America, and the APAC region.

• This project builds upon Americold's existing partnerships with DP World (formalized in 2022) and CPKC (established in 2023), combining their maritime and rail logistics capabilities respectively.

• The development leverages recent infrastructure investments at Port Saint John by both DP World and CPKC, which have attracted major global shipping lines.

• The project is expected to contribute up to $37 million to the provincial GDP. (link)

Vertical Cold Storage acquires Savannah facility, rounding out Southeast US network Vertical Cold Storage acquired a temperature-controlled distribution center near the Port of Savannah in Pooler, Georgia, marking its 11th location.

• The strategic facility, located just nine miles from the port, spans nearly 350,000 sq. ft. and offers over 35,000 pallet positions with 40 dock doors.

• Built in 2013, the USDA-certified facility features blast freezing capabilities for up to 40 loads daily and maintains temperatures ranging from -20°F to +40°F.

• The warehouse, managed by Anthony Morgan, is designed to handle frozen imports and exports including poultry, seafood, produce, and other perishables.

• The acquisition strengthens Vertical Cold Storage's Southeast US network, complementing its existing operations in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis, Charlotte, and Miami.

• The company, sponsored by Platform Ventures, is implementing its technology and operational processes at the facility.

• Georgia Ports officials welcomed the expansion, highlighting the region's skilled workforce and efficient intermodal network. (link)

DS Smith unveils temperature-controlled pharmaceutical packaging DS Smith has introduced TailorTemp, a new temperature-controlled packaging solution for pharmaceutical products, unveiled at Pharmapack Europe 2025 in Paris.

• The packaging is made from recyclable corrugated cardboard and is designed to maintain strict temperature control for up to 36 hours during storage and transport of sensitive medical products.

• The solution was developed through collaboration with a thermal transfer laboratory and utilizes a parametric algorithm to optimize dimensions, insulation properties, and coolant quantities.

• DS Smith's design team employs predictive modeling to accelerate prototyping and validate the packaging under real conditions.

• According to Innovation Product Manager Marlena Hardy, the solution demonstrates the versatility of fiber-based materials in maintaining cold chain temperatures while offering recyclability.

• The company also recently launched Tape Back, a resealable e-commerce packaging solution. (link)

The Global Cold Chain Alliance's 28th European Cold Chain Conference will be held in Copenhagen from March 26-28, 2025, gathering over 200 industry professionals.

The event will focus on shifting trade policies and market trends affecting temperature-controlled logistics. Former EU agriculture negotiator John Clarke will deliver the keynote on global trade policy implications. (link)

Other headlines

Cold Chain Technologies achieved its 100M-pound landfill avoidance goal early while its subsidiary Tower Cold Chain earned an EcoVadis gold medal, marking significant sustainability milestones following their October 2024 merger.

Rhenus Warehousing Solutions partners with Blue Yonder to standardize warehouse management globally, enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and customer service across 180 sites in 20+ countries.

SeaCube Containers partners with Greensee to launch green leasing solutions for refrigerated transport, including AI-driven emissions reporting and electric genset testing with Thermo King, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by up to 20%.

Perforated pallet wrap enhances airflow, reduces condensation, and improves energy efficiency, making it a key solution for maintaining product integrity as the frozen food industry is planning to shift to -15°C storage.

That’s it for today!

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