Maersk has announced a new integrated end-to-end cold chain facility in New Zealand. The 45,000 sq m facility will be located in the Waikato District, the fourth largest region in New Zealand. By integrating the cold store with the depot and intermodal connections, Maersk will provide logistics solutions for both import and export customers, catering for their increasing needs for more efficient, tech-enabled and temperature-controlled supply chains. The new investment is in light of record Q1 results for the group.
Strategically located in the Ruakura Superhub, the new facility has easy access to the road network between Hamilton and Auckland. It is next to the new SH1 dual carriage way, the key transport corridor for the Waikato region. The site is also adjacent to the Ruakura Inland Port, providing a seamless link to the Ports of Tauranga and Auckland, allowing the facility to better service both the export regions and the key import markets in the North Island.
From dairy and meat to seafood and fruits, the primary industry sector is key to drive the development of New Zealand’s economy. It hopes the cold storage facility will cater for both national and international supply chains, in conjunction Maersk’s extensive New Zealand ocean network connecting the rest of the world.
Maersk has entered an agreement with Tainui Group Holdings (TGH) for a long-term ground lease to build the facility, which will start operation in late 2023.
Upon completion, the new facility will have more than 16,000 sq m of fully convertible temperature-controlled space with temperatures ranging from -25°C to 15°C. It can provide storage for over 21,000 pallets of cold chain products. Meanwhile, through integrating the facility with the depot and intermodal solutions, Maersk can offer end-to-end storage, fulfilment, distribution and inland transportation services for customers.
The facility will feature advanced energy management including an environmentally friendly CO2 cooling plant, solar energy, rainwater harvesting and a low carbon policy for the construction. It targets to achieve an audited 5 Star Green Star rating in New Zealand.
Source: Maersk
