COVID gave pace to growth of refrigerated warehouse capacity worldwide. In 2020, global refrigerated warehouse capacity reached 719 million cubic meters, with the USA, India, and China being the largest markets. In the Middle East, cold chain logistics gained significance, especially as temperatures soared. CARGOTALK spoke to cold chain professionals who ensure that these products remain safe and maintain their quality throughout.
-Abigail Mathias
Cold chain transportation management occurs in-house for smaller operations or local deliveries, and, but for a larger company that works internationally, delivering temperature-sensitive products becomes complicated. This creates an opportunity to partner with third-party logistics (3PL) companies that have expertise in cold chain transportation. This is where supply chain management comes in.
A cold chain is a temperature-controlled cold chain network. It is a system that takes preservation seriously and treats products with recommended cold temperature levels. This allows customers to receive the highest quality products regardless of the season. Cold chain logistics is the technology and process that allows for accurate planning and safe transport of temperature-sensitive goods and products along the supply chain.
The cold chain involves transportation of temperature-sensitive products along with a supply chain through thermal and refrigerated packaging methods and the logistical planning to protect the integrity of these shipments.
There are several means in which cold chain products can be transported, including refrigerated trucks and railcars, refrigerated cargo ships, reefers, and air cargo. From an economic development perspective, the cold chain enables many developing economies to take part in the international perishable products market either as producers or as consumers.
3PL providers began to emerge and institute new methods for transporting global cold chain commodities since the early 1950s. Before their emergence, cold chain processes were mostly managed in house by the manufacturer or the distributor. In the U.S. Food and Drug Administration restrictions and accountability measures has incited many companies to rely on specialty couriers rather than overhauling supply chain facilities.
Consistent temperature control according to regulations essential
John O’Grady, Manager, Authorisations & Standards, Operations & Delivery, Etihad Cargo
One of the challenges in cold chain storage and transportation is maintaining consistent temperature control, as any deviation can compromise product integrity. Well-maintained infrastructure, facilities, and equipment are essential to ensure refrigerated storage facilities operate within the required temperature ranges.
Handling processes must minimise temperature deviations during loading, unloading, and transfer operations. Adherence to international, national, and local regulations regarding temperature control and storage is crucial. Etihad Cargo addresses these challenges through its PharmaLife and FreshForward products, which provide tailored solutions for temperature-sensitive commodities. PharmaLife handles temperatures from minus 80 to 25°C using leased active and hybrid containers, while FreshForward offers expedited handling, priority dispatch, and robust contingency processes.
Investments in tech advancements enables better data-based planning
Gabriela Hiitola, Senior Vice President, Finnair Cargo
Temperature controlled transport chain for a variety of perishables and other sensitive products requires appropriate facilities as well as operational procedures. In 2018, Finnair Cargo opened one of the most sophisticated air cargo terminals in the world to build on its reputation for the handling of perishables. At the heart of this is temperature monitoring and efficiency. Finnair’s COOL cargo terminal in Helsinki is monitored round -the-clock with digital temperature monitoring devices and experts on site to ensure that perishables and other temperature-sensitive goods stored and ferried properly. As Helsinki is an uncongested airport, perishable products can be moved to the aircraft stands exactly 30 minutes before departure, meaning they can stay longer in the dedicated temperature zones. Investments in new technology advancements enables data-based operations planning and better temperature tracking.
Upgrading logistics & transportation must to ensure delivery of perishables
Brent Melvin, GM, RSA Global Cold Chain Division
Some challenges facing cold chain logistics in the UAE include maintaining consistent temperature throughout the supply chain, ensuring compliance with regulations for handling and transporting perishables, and dealing with the demand for cold chain services following growth of food and pharma industries. The cold chain sector in the UAE was developed in recent years along with technology advancements for maintaining temperatures, establishment of specialised cold storage facilities, and improvements in logistics and transportation services to ensure delivery of perishables in B2B and B2C space. Investment in infrastructure, increased collaboration among stakeholders, and imparting training programmes can help reduce cargo losses. To operate a cold chain in the UAE, firms must adhere to regulations of the authorities. While progress was made in controlling perishable cargo losses in the Middle East.
Using AI is significant in managing data, making informed decisions
Rohit Thakwani, Chief Executive Officer Airglow Aviation
Yes. There is a certain fatigue regarding sustainability due to the demands of compliance, investment, and the pace of required changes. However, we, as a company, view them as essential for long-term benefits— cost savings and improved brand reputation. Despite the fatigue, our company’s commitment to sustainability strengthens our competitive edge and positions us as a leader in the industry. Looking ahead, we would like to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) among others, which is key to manage the data and make informed decisions. Our company is also working on this as well as a sustainable approach to do what we do. The industry relies on a twin-pronged strategy—airlines and customers. We are trying to encourage our clients to use more sustainable options.
Inadequate infrastructure, improper handling can worsen product quality
Pongsathorn Sangasang, Director, Ground Operations and Commercial, Pattaya Aviation
Challenges in cold chain storage and transportation include maintaining temperature control throughout the process to ensure product integrity, particularly for pharmaceuticals and perishables. Inadequate infrastructure, such as insufficient refrigerated warehouses and vehicles, exacerbates these challenges, more so in less developed regions. Proper handling at every stage is crucial to prevent temperature excursions that can compromise quality. Stringent regulatory compliance with authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency is essential. The coordination of suppliers, warehouses, and transportation providers needs planning in order to ensure a seamless cold chain process. Recent developments in the sector include Intnet of Things-enabled temperature monitoring systems, which provide real-time data to maintain product integrity during transit. Packaging solutions, such as vacuum-insulated panels and phase change materials, have enhanced temperature stability. However, stumbling blocks still remain. Preventing loss of materials in the cold chain involves several strategies, including investing in advanced temperature monitoring and tracking technologies in a bid to provide real-time data and alerts for any deviations.
Products arrive in optimal condition if we make efforts in handling process
Gerton Hulsman, Member Board of Directors, Cool Chain Association
At a time when many conferences and exhibitions are organised, it is time to reflect on connectivity—whether they must be improved or established. Where the world meets again and many logistics stakeholders exchange ideas. Improvements that will benefit the industry. Not only financially but also improvements in working methods and reduction in administrative workload. Based on the idea of improving our efforts, preventing waste and claims ensure that the merchandise arrives in an optimal condition. It is also necessary that we treat each other more openly in the field of data sharing and form a digital assembly line. Efforts should be made to ensure that quality of the product/s is improved, so that all parties in the chain benefit from it.
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