🧊 Mobile cold storage set for a decade of growth

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

In today’s edition:

• Lineage breaks ground on Bergen op Zoom warehouse expansion in the Netherlands

• Maersk and Sotraser announce electric truck operations in Chile

• Tjoapack announces packaging, cold chain expansions in US and Netherlands

• Hybrid TRUs gain ground in refrigerated trucking

• Emerging Trends Shaping the Walk-In Cold Storage Mobile/Rental Sector

News

Lineage breaks ground on Bergen op Zoom warehouse expansion in the Netherlands Lineage, the world's largest temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, is expanding its automated cold storage facility in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands.

• The expansion will increase capacity by 40% to over 250,000 pallet positions, making it one of Lineage's largest global facilities when completed in 2026.

• The project primarily supports anchor customer Lamb Weston's growth objectives while accommodating additional regional demand.

• Located with direct access to Rotterdam and Antwerp ports, the facility offers strategic connectivity throughout the Benelux region and beyond.

• The expansion emphasizes sustainability with BREEAM Excellent certification, rooftop solar panels, and battery storage systems. (Lineage)

Maersk and Sotraser announce electric truck operations in Chile Maersk has partnered with Chilean transportation provider Sotraser to launch electric truck operations in Chile, advancing supply chain decarbonization across Latin America.

• The initiative features two electric truck models: Volvo FH/FM Electric with 540-kWh batteries (300km range) and Foton EAuman 2554 with 350-kWh batteries (220km range), both capable of transporting 24-25 tons.

• The Santiago operation includes 20 charging stations with 1,200 kW total capacity, powered entirely by renewable energy certified under I-RECs.

• During the pilot phase, the partnership completed over 8,400 kilometers across 31 trips with 100% electric operations.

• This initiative supports Maersk's 2040 net-zero emissions goal, with expansion plans for Brazil, Peru, Guatemala, Panama, and Uruguay. (Maersk)

Tjoapack announces packaging, cold chain expansions in US and Netherlands Tjoapack, a global contract packaging organization, is expanding its packaging and cold chain storage capabilities in the United States and Netherlands to meet rising demand for biologics and injectable therapies.

• The company is investing in advanced infrastructure at facilities in Clinton, Tennessee, and Etten-Leur, Netherlands, with most additions scheduled for commissioning by Q4 2025.

• Tjoapack is installing advanced packaging lines at its Clinton site for vials and auto-injectors, while the Etten-Leur facility expanded its cold storage to 120 pallets and completed its first automated prefilled syringe packaging project.

• These expansions support the growing trend toward self-administered biologics, addressing the need for specialized packaging of temperature-sensitive injectable products across multiple container formats. (Pharm Tech)

Hybrid TRUs gain ground in refrigerated trucking Hybrid and electric transport refrigeration units (TRUs) are gaining traction in refrigerated trucking as greener alternatives to traditional diesel-powered systems.

• Hybrid TRUs operate on diesel over the road but can plug into electric power sources during loading, unloading, or storage, reducing emissions and noise while cutting operating costs by approximately half compared to diesel.

• Major companies like Utility Trailer, Kroger, and PLM Fleet are adopting these technologies.

• Despite strong performance, challenges remain including limited charging infrastructure, additional driver training needs, weight considerations affecting payload capacity, and battery health monitoring requirements.

• Fleet operators emphasize the need for comprehensive operational adjustments and standardized procedures for successful implementation. (Transport Topics)

Industry Report

Emerging Trends Shaping the Walk-In Cold Storage Mobile/Rental Sector by Polar Leasing

The mobile/rental cold storage segment accounts for 15% of the U.S. walk-in cooler and freezer market, which is projected to grow from $3.05 billion in 2024 to over $5 billion by 2034, representing a 4.4% compound annual growth rate.

• This growth reflects a fundamental industry shift from viewing mobile refrigeration as temporary structures to recognizing them as essential infrastructure for business continuity and emergency response.

• Key market drivers include the thriving food and beverage industry, stricter food safety regulations, growing demand for ready-to-eat products, and the rise of online health platforms requiring temperature-controlled delivery of compounded medicines and supplements.

• Emerging trends include dual-temperature zone coolers, integrated inventory management systems with real-time monitoring, and energy-efficient solutions using low global warming potential refrigerants. (Read the full repot here)

Other headlines

ODW Logistics has been recognized as one of Food Logistics' 2025 Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers for its excellence in cold chain solutions.

Uganda is expanding its cold chain infrastructure with new facilities at Entebbe International Airport and regional centers, aiming to boost its fresh fruit and vegetable annual exports to USD 1 billion.

The University of Birmingham is extending its £29 million Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain Systems programme in Africa to reduce the 37% food loss between production and consumption.

The Cold Chain Federation has called on the UK government to classify cold chain as Critical National Infrastructure and create a national resilience plan, citing that over 50% of UK food depends on temperature-controlled supply chains vulnerable to climate change, energy issues, and cyber threats.

Toyota Material Handling Australia has partnered with Americold to deploy 530 cold-ready electric forklifts across 12 Australian sites, with an additional 200 units planned for 2026-2027.

JD Logistics deployed 500,000 reusable cold chain boxes (each usable 300 times) expected to cut carbon emissions by 127,000 tons, addressing environmental concerns in China's record 174.5 billion parcel delivery sector.

Don Watson Transport, a 77-year-old Australian refrigerated trucking company with over 150 trucks and operations across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Wodonga, has announced it will close due to current economic conditions after being named Large Carrier of the Year just four years ago.

That’s it for today!

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