A joint venture between the Conti-Lines Group and Seafrigo will build a frozen food warehouse with space for more than 40,000 pallets on the approximately 6 ha site at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
The JV Conti Seafrigo Antwerp (CSA) acquired a concession on the Nieuwe Westweg near the Bevrijdingsdok in the port of Antwerp.
The concession will be the location for a brand new food logistics platform where Seafrigo Antwerp NV will be responsible for its operation and the processing and storage of a wide range of refrigerated and frozen perishables.
William Demoor, vice president customer relations Port of Antwerp-Bruges said: “This new 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.”
It is hoped that the development of a frozen warehouse will allow the CSA alliance to expand its maritime network through strong international partnerships.
According to the port, the warehouse offers essential added value for the Antwerp cold chain segment given the high utilisation rate in the temperature-controlled warehouses and the high current market demand.
The 25 m high-rise warehouse will be equipped with a new IT system that, combined with inspections via drones, aims to ensure higher overall safety and efficiency on the shop floor.
In addition to using solar panels and heat pumps, hydrogen-powered vehicles are being examined.
The port is also looking at whether waste heat can be used to heat its own buildings.
