🧊 Maersk completes construction of new cold storage in Rotterdam

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 completes construction and welcomes first customer in its new cold store in Rotterdam

• Lineage and Port of New Orleans expand specialized capabilities for global food supply chain

• MSC launches iReefer, advanced container monitoring system for refrigerated cargo

• New survey reveals pervasive concerns about pharma supply chain security risks

News

Maersk completes construction and welcomes first customer in its new cold store in Rotterdam Maersk has completed construction of a new cold storage facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands, welcoming its first customer, South African fruit exporter Grape Alliance.

• The 35,000 square meter facility is strategically located next to APM Terminals' modern terminal at Maasvlakte II, enabling seamless handling of refrigerated containers.

• The facility features over 34,000 pallet positions and will serve as a key hub for Maersk's integrated cold chain logistics in North-West Europe, handling pharmaceuticals, fruits, meat, and fish.

• The cold store includes customs bonding, an in-house veterinary inspection point, and maintains high environmental standards with BREEAM Excellent certification and renewable energy usage.

• This addition strengthens Maersk's global network of specialized warehouses, addressing growing demand for temperature-sensitive cargo transportation while improving supply chain speed and reliability for European consumers. (link)

Lineage and Port of New Orleans expand specialized capabilities for global food supply chain Lineage, Inc. and the Port of New Orleans have announced expanded services at Lineage's Jourdan Road cold storage facility, adding in-house USDA import inspections to complement existing export inspection services.

• The facility, one of two Lineage operations at the port, underwent a $42 million expansion in 2022, growing from 160,000 to 304,000 sq. ft.

• Lineage entered the New Orleans market in 2020 by acquiring New Orleans Cold Storage, North America's oldest cold storage operator.

• The company's two facilities at the port now span over 460,000 sq. ft, offering a wide range of services including blast freezing and integrated transportation solutions.

• The new import inspection services will streamline the process for imported proteins, which require 100% USDA inspection.

• An additional $20 million infrastructure investment is being made through State of Louisiana and Port NOLA funding. (link)

MSC launches iReefer MSC has introduced iReefer, an advanced container monitoring system for refrigerated cargo, launched on February 3, 2025.

• This technology offers real-time visibility of reefer containers, including position, temperature, and humidity data, accessible 24/7 via the myMSC eBusiness platform or API.

• iReefer enhances security, reduces risk of damage, and provides data-driven insights for supply chain optimization.

• MSC has already equipped over 210,000 reefer containers and more than 500 vessels with this technology, with plans to expand across its entire fleet.

• The company offers three service tiers: iReefer Essential (free), iReefer Pro, and iReefer Ultimate, catering to different customer needs.

• As one of the world's largest container carriers, handling over 1 million reefer containers annually, MSC's adoption of iReefer represents a significant advancement in cold chain logistics, offering customers unprecedented control and visibility over their temperature-sensitive shipments. (link)

New survey reveals pervasive concerns about pharma supply chain security risks A recent survey by BioPharma Dive's studioID and Tive reveals widespread concern about pharmaceutical supply chain security, with 99% of executives worried about increased theft, fraud, and attacks.

• Among 115 respondents from pharmaceutical, biologics, and medical device manufacturers, 92% believe supply chain risks have increased over the past two years, with 94% expecting further increases.

• Key security issues include product tampering (57%), temperature control problems (44%), theft/fraud (35%), and misrouted shipments (30%).

• Major risk factors involve inadequate security processes (43%), cold chain integrity challenges (42%), and cyberattacks (35%).

• Companies are responding by implementing real-time visibility solutions (83%), though many still rely on traditional tracking methods like email (80%) and phone calls (75%).

• Those using real-time monitoring report improved on-time delivery rates (79%) and better issue identification (76%).

• The survey found that 96% of executives consider independent verification of supplier-provided visibility data crucial for supply chain security. (link)

Opinion

Why the Move to -15°C may not be a universal panacea for the cold chain Steve Shipp, Managing Director of Ultra Refrigeration, explores why the move to -15°C may not deliver the promised benefits, and could even create new problems for both businesses and consumers.

• The article challenges the proposed shift from -18°C to -15°C in frozen food storage as a solution for reducing energy consumption and meeting sustainability goals.

• While proponents argue this change could save energy, the article outlines several significant concerns: existing infrastructure optimized for -18°C may become less efficient at -15°C, the reduced temperature safety buffer could compromise food quality during transport and storage, and consumers may experience partial thawing before reaching home.

• The change could actually redistribute rather than reduce energy consumption, shifting the burden to less efficient household freezers.

• Special products like ice cream, requiring temperatures as low as -24°C, would need separate storage facilities, complicating retail operations.

• Additionally, the higher storage temperature could lead to shorter shelf life and increased food waste.

• Instead, the article recommends implementing smarter, dynamic control systems that can optimize temperatures based on specific needs while maintaining product quality and energy efficiency. (link)

Other headlines

Agile Cold Storage has broken ground on a $61 million, 122,949 sq. ft. multi-temperature warehouse in Kaufman, Texas, set to open by the end of 2025 and create 70 jobs, marking the city's largest industrial capital investment to date.

Cold-Link Logistics is investing $85 million to build a 233,000 sq. ft. cold storage warehouse in Lumberton, creating 123 jobs and strengthening North Carolina’s agribusiness and supply chain infrastructure.

CoolKit, the UK's largest temperature-controlled vehicle conversion specialist, has been named a Preferred Partner for MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, offering enhanced payload capacity and environmental standards for their TGE van conversions.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Americold's BBB rating with a stable outlook, citing the company's strong market position as the second-largest temperature-controlled warehouse operator globally, improved margins, and solid organic growth despite slightly decreased occupancy from 2023's record highs.

Unilever has created an 'operations metaverse' - a digital replica of its entire supply chain that combines AI, automation, and human expertise to optimize efficiency, resulting in significant business value through increased turnover and cost savings across 75% of its operations.

Former JPMorgan executive Houston Huang and two Hong Kong entrepreneurs have launched NEXX Global, a GenAI-powered logistics platform backed by Li Ka-shing's CK Asset Holdings, aiming to revolutionize warehouse efficiency through AI and large language models.

LogiPharma 2025 is implementing comprehensive sustainability measures across its event, including carbon offset partnerships, a dedicated Sustainability Zone, elimination of single-use plastics, and industry expert panels focused on reducing environmental impact in pharmaceutical supply chains.

That’s it for today!

If you have any feedback or suggestions, please don't hesitate to respond directly to this email.

We look forward to hearing from you.

P.S. Did someone share this with you? Subscribe here.