Danish ocean carrier Maersk has started the construction works for its new large cold store in Rotterdam.
The specialized warehouse for temperature-sensitive or frozen products, like meat or fish, pharmaceuticals, fruits, is located right next to the Maasvlakte II terminal, which is operated by Maersk-owned port operator APM Terminals.
The new 40,000 m² facility is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will have the capacity of an annual flow throughput of more than 43,000 FFE (40 Feet Equivalent Units).
The cold store in Rotterdam allows such goods to remain fresh and of highest quality for a longer time until they reach the end consumers. Apart from refrigerated container transportation, Maersk also offers refrigerated storage, extending the life cycle of perishables and allowing customers to better plan their supply chains.
The new reefer warehouse in the Dutch port is expected to significantly improve Maersk’s cold chain offering not only in the Netherlands, but more broadly across North-West European markets.
“This proximity to the terminal, but also to our new cross-dock facility in Rotterdam which will be operational in January 2024 allows us to offer simpler and more integrated supply chain solutions right at our logistics hub in Rotterdam. That was one of the main criteria for its location and we expect it to be a significant game changer for our cold chain customers as well,” said Michel Blonk, Maersk’s regional construction project manager for Europe.