Conti Seafrigo Antwerp (CSA) — the joint venture between the Conti-Lines Group and Seafrigo — will build a sustainable frozen food warehouse after acquiring a concession on the Nieuwe Westweg (near the Bevrijdingsdok in the port of Antwerp).

The cold chain warehouse will have a space for more than 40,000 pallets on the approximately 6-hectare site and will further strengthen the "cold chain" segment in Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

 Source: Port of Antwerp-Bruges

The concession will be the location for a brand new, state-of-the-art food logistics platform.

Boost to cold chain at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges

"Seafrigo Antwerp NV will be responsible for its operation and the processing and storage of a wide range of refrigerated and frozen perishables. The development of a frozen warehouse will allow the CSA alliance to expand its maritime network through strong international partnerships," the announcement said.

"The warehouse offers essential added value for the Antwerp cold chain segment given the very high utilisation rate in the temperature-controlled warehouses and the high current market demand," it added.

Conti Seafrigo Antwerp said in a statement the 25 m high-rise warehouse will be equipped with a brand new IT system that — combined with inspections via drones — that will ensure higher overall safety and efficiency on the shop floor.

Sustainability is also a high priority for the warehouse. Aside from using solar panels and heat pumps, it is noted that hydrogen-powered vehicles are also being eyed. The JV is also looking at whether waste heat can be used to heat the buildings.

"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," said William Demoor, vice president of customer relations at Port of Antwerp-Bruges.