Maersk to open integrated cold chain facility in New Zealand

May 17, 2022

Maersk continues to integrate end-to-end cold chains with the announcement of a new 45,000 sqm cold chain facility in the Waikato District, the fourth largest region in New Zealand. By integrating the state-of-the-art cold store with the depot and intermodal connections, Maersk will provide better logistics solutions for both import and export customers, catering for their increasing needs for more efficient, tech-enabled and temperature-controlled supply chains.

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. 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.

Henrik Jensen

Managing Director of Maersk Oceania

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.

Maersk’s decision to locate its new cold storage facility at Ruakura is a very significant addition to the New Zealand supply chain and how we connect to the world. For more than half of all New Zealanders who live in the ‘golden triangle’ of Waikato, Auckland, and Bay of Plenty, it also boosts the resilience of how critical food supplies are moved around the country and around the globe.

Chris Joblin

Chief Executive of Tainui Group Holdings

Upon completion, the new facility will have more than 16,000 sqm 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.

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.

Tony Mildon

Head of Reefer, Maersk Oceania

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