A joint venture agreement signed between the Conti-Lines Group and Seafrigo (JV Conti Seafrigo Antwerp) will soon facilitate construction of a frozen food warehouse with more than 40,000 pallet positions at a six-hectare concession site on the Nieuwe Westweg, near the Bevrijdingsdok in Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Seafrigo Antwerp NV will be responsible for its operation and the processing and storage of a wide range of frozen and refrigerated food products. The development of the cold storage logistics platform will allow the alliance to expand its maritime network through international partnerships. Also, the operation will offer added value to the Antwerp cold chain segment given the high utilization rate of local temperature controlled warehouses and the current high market demand.
Innovative Ambitions
The 25 meter tall warehouse will be equipped with a state-of-the-art IT system that, combined with drone inspections, is intended to ensure higher overall safety and efficiency on the shop floor. Sustainability is also a priority for the parties involved. In addition to using solar panels and heat pumps, hydrogen-powered vehicles are being considered for deployment on the premises as is the utilization of waste heat.
“This investment will provide great added value within the cold chain segment of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. With their clear ambitions for sustainability, Antwerp Cold Stores Seafrigo’s strategy is fully in line with our own long-term vision,” said William Demoor, the port’s vice president of customer relations.
