In a groundbreaking move towards redefining the landscape of cold chain logistics, Maersk, a global leader in integrated shipping and logistics, is set to launch a state-of-the-art Cold Store facility in Mehsana, Gujarat. The facility, strategically located near the Fanidhar Mega Food Park, is destined to become one of India’s largest single-shed cold stores, encompassing a colossal 14,700-pallet position.
Vikash Agarwal, Managing Director, Maersk South Asia, emphasized the critical role of unbroken cold chain logistics in preserving the integrity of frozen food items. “Our new facility at Mehsana will set the gold standard for temperature compliance, featuring a customized racking system tailored to meet our customer’s exact requirements. With modern technology ensuring operational accuracy, Maersk aims to revolutionize the way we handle frozen cargo.”
This mammoth cold store will exclusively cater to the needs of HyFun Foods, marking a significant milestone in Maersk’s commitment to food security and quality. Kamlesh Karamchandani, Director of Sales & Marketing, HyFun Foods, lauded Maersk’s single-window solution for cold chain logistics, stating, “To be able to deliver on food security and quality, we were looking at redesigning our supply chain model. Maersk’s solution, fortified by the brand new cold store facility, simplifies our supply chains and reinforces the backbone of how we move our processed food.”
The facility’s operational and sustainable excellence will be achieved through the use of Ammonia refrigeration, a natural gas with zero Global Warming Potential (GWP). Additionally, high-efficiency compressors with lower power consumption and fire-resistant PIR panels will further contribute to environmental stewardship.
Maersk is not just stopping at operational efficiency; it is also aligning its logistics solutions with decarbonisation targets. The cold store facility will be powered by solar energy, exemplifying Maersk’s commitment to achieving NetZero by 2040. The facility will incorporate green building requirements, including rain harvesting, sewage treatment plants (STP), and zero discharge, in both its construction and operations plan.
Furthermore, the facility will feature modern warehouse management systems, ensuring efficient inventory management and real-time visibility for customers. Safety standards will be paramount, with a human-friendly staging area and a robust fire detection and firefighting system in place.
This groundbreaking initiative by Maersk signifies not only a significant leap forward in frozen food logistics but also a holistic commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The company’s integrated cold chain solution, coupled with the cutting-edge cold store facility, is poised to reshape the future of food transportation and storage in India.