Maersk Completes Rotterdam Cold Store and Welcomes First Customer
In today’s globalized economy, seamless logistics for temperature-sensitive cargoes are becoming increasingly vital. With a growing demand for fresh fruits, proteins, and pharmaceutical products, companies are focusing on building efficient and reliable cold chain logistics to maintain the integrity of these perishable goods. Maersk, one of the world’s leading integrated logistics providers, has been actively expanding its global network of cold storage facilities to meet these demands. Their latest achievement is the completion of a state-of-the-art cold storage facility in Rotterdam, Netherlands—an important milestone in enhancing supply chain efficiency for refrigerated and frozen products across Europe.
Addressing the Need for Advanced Cold Storage Solutions
The demand for high-quality perishable goods such as fruits, seafood, meat, and pharmaceutical products has grown exponentially in recent years. Consumers expect fresh and safe products, and regulatory standards for food safety and pharmaceuticals continue to tighten. Maintaining the cold chain from the point of production to the final consumer is a complex process that requires precision, advanced technology, and robust infrastructure.
Maersk has recognized this growing need and is taking proactive steps to enhance its refrigerated logistics capabilities. By strategically investing in cold storage facilities worldwide, the company ensures a seamless, end-to-end supply chain for temperature-sensitive goods. The new cold storage facility in Rotterdam is a crucial addition to Maersk’s expanding cold chain network and is designed to set new benchmarks in efficiency, sustainability, and reliability.
The Rotterdam Cold Storage Facility: A Strategic Addition
Less than 18 months after breaking ground and commencing construction, Maersk has officially opened its cutting-edge cold storage facility in Rotterdam. The facility welcomed its first shipment—fresh grapes from the South African fruit exporter Grape Alliance—signaling the beginning of its operations.
According to Ole Trumpfheller, Managing Director of Maersk Area North Europe Continent, the facility significantly enhances speed and reliability in refrigerated supply chains, ultimately improving the quality of temperature-sensitive and frozen products for European consumers.
“The new cold store in Rotterdam is a game changer for perishable logistics. Our integrated approach ensures that products arrive fresher, safer, and faster at their destination. This means fewer delays, reduced spoilage, and greater confidence for exporters and importers alike,” says Trumpfheller.
Cutting-Edge Features of the Rotterdam Facility
The newly inaugurated facility spans an impressive 35,000 square meters and is strategically located next to one of Europe’s most Cold Store advanced container terminals at Maasvlakte II, operated by APM Terminals—a Maersk subsidiary. This proximity to the terminal enhances efficiency by reducing transit times and ensuring a smooth flow of goods from shipping vessels to the cold store and onward to their final destinations.
Key Features of the Rotterdam Cold Storage Facility:
- High Storage Capacity: With a capacity exceeding 34,000 pallet positions, the facility is well-equipped to handle a wide variety of temperature-sensitive goods, including pharmaceuticals, fruits, meat, and seafood.
- Integrated Reefer and Cold Chain Logistics: The warehouse is designed as a key component of Maersk’s integrated reefer logistics offering, providing end-to-end solutions for customers in North-West Europe.
- Customs Bonded Facility: The cold storage is a customs-bonded warehouse, allowing for smoother regulatory clearance processes and reducing delays associated with customs inspections.
- In-House Veterinary Inspection Point: A dedicated veterinary inspection area ensures that products meet strict regulatory standards before distribution, reducing the risk of non-compliance and enhancing food safety.
- Sustainability-Focused Design: The facility has achieved a BREEAM Excellent certification, signifying its adherence to the highest environmental standards. It features low-emission systems and incorporates renewable energy solutions to minimize its carbon footprint.
- Cost Efficiency for Customers: The integration of Maersk’s Star Depot, a newly expanded reefer container storage area adjacent to the cold store, allows for empty reefer equipment to be returned on-site. This reduces potential additional detention and demurrage (D&D) costs for customers.
The Importance of Cold Chain Logistics in Global Trade
Cold chain logistics is a critical component of international trade, particularly for industries that rely on maintaining specific temperature conditions Cold Store throughout the supply chain. The perishability of goods like fresh fruits, meat, seafood, and vaccines necessitates highly specialized storage and transportation solutions.
With the increasing complexity of global trade regulations and heightened consumer expectations, companies must invest in Cold Store advanced logistics infrastructure to ensure product integrity. Maersk’s Rotterdam facility is not just a warehouse; it is a comprehensive logistics hub that enables exporters and importers to operate more efficiently, reducing spoilage, waste, and unnecessary costs.
By providing a one-stop solution for temperature-controlled logistics, Maersk offers customers greater visibility, reliability, and sustainability in their supply chains. The Rotterdam cold store is part of a broader strategy to establish a global network of owned and leased specialized warehouses, ensuring seamless connectivity across international markets.
Expanding Cold Storage Capabilities
Maersk’s commitment to expanding its cold storage capabilities does not stop with Rotterdam. The company is continuously assessing market Cold Store demands and investing in key locations worldwide to enhance its refrigerated logistics services. As consumer preferences shift toward fresh, high-quality, and sustainably sourced products, the need for integrated and environmentally friendly logistics solutions will only increase.
Maersk is already working on additional projects in various regions, ensuring that customers benefit from greater flexibility, improved speed to market, and enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements. The company’s long-term vision involves creating a truly global cold chain network that caters to the evolving needs of different industries.
Showcasing Innovation at Fruit Logistica 2025
To provide customers with a deeper insight into the capabilities of the new Rotterdam cold storage facility, Maersk will present an immersive Cold Store experience at Fruit Logistica 2025 in Berlin. From February 5-7, visitors at the Maersk booth (H-41 in Hall 26) will have the opportunity to explore the facility through 3D models and virtual reality tours, gaining a firsthand understanding of its advanced features and logistics solutions.
This interactive approach reflects Maersk’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and customer engagement. By showcasing the warehouse in a dynamic Cold Store and accessible manner, the company aims to strengthen relationships with industry stakeholders and highlight the competitive advantages of its cold chain logistics network.