A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) has announced the construction of the company's first low GHG emissions contract logistics warehouse in Denmark realised in partnership with Taulov Dry Port.

Maersk said the warehouse is part of its strategy to accelerate the delivery of fulfilment capability in Denmark.

"We are pleased to announce our first green contract logistics warehouse in Denmark. Many of our customers are looking for long-term partners that have such capabilities to reduce their entire climate footprint," said Birna Odefors, area managing director, Nordics, A.P. Moller - Maersk.

Odefors added that the Taulov facility also has a strategic position in Europe and will be a key asset to serve as a deconsolidation point and add value by optimizing transport modes with its port, rail and road links creating flexibility in flows by accelerating or slowing down supply chains.

The green contract logistics warehouse is aiming to be built to BREEAM Excellent standards with zero direct emissions from operations in full accordance with Maersk's overall goal to decarbonise its entire operations by 2040.

The 40.000 sqm facility has an option for an additional 40.000 sqm and is scheduled to become operational in 2024. It will be located in Taulov in South Denmark underpinning Maersk's strong logistics footprint in Northern Europe and responding to rising market demands.

"Many of our customers are looking to build upon their offerings to their markets and require logistics partners with asset control to support their growth strategies, by establishing long-term sustainable contract logistics solutions and not just to cover the short-term demand arising due to COVID-19," Odefors added.

Maersk's emissions targets entail that at least 90% of its global cold chain and contract logistics operations will be certified as green by 2030.

Maersk said the agreement to build the first logistics warehouse with zero emission from fuel and energy is another milestone for the development of the Taulov Dry Port and is an important step in the long-term partnership.

"Taulov Dry Port is a European multimodal logistic hub and a key player in the green transition of the logistic sector due to the sustainable infrastructure with the Port of Fredericia, the motorway and railway network. Soon the area will also be ready for the transition towards new green fuels such as hydrogen, which will be an important asset for Maersk as well as our other customers," said Rune D. Rasmussen, CEO of ADP A/S.

Maersk said all indoor and outdoor equipment in the warehouse will be electrified, solar panels will be installed on the entire roof of the warehouse and excess renewable energy produced will be fed to the grid.

Battery-driven trucks will also be used for all of the shunting operations and hydrogen stations are planned within 150 metres of the site.

The warehouse has a zero-emissions approach to both direct and indirect aspects of the operations, so charging not only will be provided to electric commercial trucks and cars, but also to private cars, bicycles, and electric scooters, it added.