A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S (Maersk) said that it will open a new 45,000 sqm cold chain facility in the Waikato District in New Zealand.

The Danish shipping company said that by the integration of the cold store with the depot and intermodal connections, it will offer better logistics solutions for import as well as export customers.

The cold chain facility in the Waikato District will serve the growing requirements of the customers for supply chains that are more efficient, tech-enabled and temperature-controlled.

Located strategically in the Ruakura Superhub, the new cold chain facility is said to have easy access to the road network between Auckland and Hamilton.

Henrik Jensen — Managing Director of Maersk Oceania said: “We are pleased to offer our customers innovative solutions and access to our integrated global network, through which we can contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and bring new opportunities to the communities we are part of.

“This cold storage facility will cater for both national and international supply chains, and in conjunction with our extensive New Zealand ocean network connecting the world. We firmly believe it will enable us to be flexible and agile in our operations to ensure that we can match customers’ needs with seasonal demand.”

Maersk said that it has signed an agreement with Tainui Group Holdings (TGH) for a long-term ground lease for constructing the facility, which will begin operation in late 2023.

After completion, the new Maersk cold chain facility will have over 16,000 sqm of fully convertible temperature-controlled space with temperatures in the range of -25°C and 15°C. It can offer storage for more than 21,000 pallets of cold chain products.

Tony Mildon — Maersk Oceania Head of Reefer said: “We have seen significant growing demand from exporters, importers and local processors who rely on temperature-controlled storage in the region. With the new facility in place and its close integration with Maersk’s logistics solutions, we will offer more transparency and visibility of refrigerated cargoes and help customers build more efficient and resilient supply chains.”

  Henrik Jensen, Maersk, New Zealand, Tony Mildon, Waikato District