DP World announced that has begun the construction of a modern refrigerated warehouse in the Dominican Republic with Emergent Cold Latin America, a Latin American temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics provider.

The warehouse will have 6,500 square meters with controlled temperature, and 8,000 positions for multi-temperature pallets (frozen, refrigerated, and room temperature). It will also have an area of 22 metres with 13 dock doors which will facilitate processes related to inspections, preparation of products, and efficient movement of merchandise, as well as an ammonium refrigeration system, LED lighting, use of solar energy, and mobile shelving.

It will also have the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification, confirming that the building complies with environmental and sustainability protection, responding to the promise of both organizations to sustainability.

"The installation will provide precise temperature control and effective management of the cold chain, ensuring the integrity of each product stored. With greater visibility of inventory and much more efficient operations, when complete, it will be the most advanced logistics system in the Latin American region," the Emirati multinational logistics company said.

DP World noted that the warehouse is being built within the DP World Economic Zone on the Punta Caucedo peninsula to provide clients of both companies with cold chain solutions that will be integrated into their respective supply chains.

The warehouse in the Dominican Republic will be the first in a series in Latin America following a collaboration agreement signed by DP World and Emergent Cold Latin America earlier this year, it added.

DP World noted that the agreement covers the development of warehouses for controlled temperature logistics services within the DP World Economic Zones in the region, including DP World Posorja in Ecuador and DP World Callao in Peru.

DP World expansion plans in LatAm

During his speech for the groundbreaking, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman, and CEO of DP World said the alliance with Emergent Cold Latin America and the construction of a modern refrigerated warehouse "fit perfectly" with DP World's vision, not just for the Dominican Republic but also for the wider region.

"DP World plans to develop 3 million square metres of land for free zones to promote the Dominican Republic as an attractive destination for the region’s manufacturing and logistics companies," bin Sulayem said.

"DP World in the Dominican Republic is a world-class logistics provider. After expanding our main berth two years ago, we have achieved unprecedented results, creating greater opportunities for the country to generate new trade agreements, increase conductivity, and be more competitive. On this occasion, we have formed a partnership with Emergent Cold Latin America to raise the standards of refrigerated supply chains in the Dominican marketplace," the DP World chief added.

"Our goal is to further strengthen the country’s capacity — with a port, logistics centre, and manufacturing, integrated into a single place — attracting foreign investment and generating thousands of jobs, which will encourage the Dominican economy while raising the quality of life of its people," Bin Sulayem added.

Neal Rider, CEO of Emergent Cold Latin America, said the development will boost Dominican Republic's standing in the supply chain.

"This alliance with DP World is an important step to constructing the highest quality cold storage network in Latin America. DP World is a fundamental player in the region, and we share their commitment to growth in the global foods market. We are keen to start work with DP World to provide more integral solutions for our clients," said Rider.

The groundbreaking, which marked the formal start of construction was attended by the President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Luis Abinader, DP World's Bin Sulayem, Rider of Emergent Cold Latin America, Morten Johansen, CEO of DP World's operations in the Dominican Republic.

The ceremony was also attended by Víctor Ito Bisonó, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Director of the General Customs Directorate.