DHL Global Forwarding has optimized its cold chain service for seafood from Norway to Asia and the US.

According to DHL, it is now operating dedicated weekly flights from Lakselv Airport Banak in northern Norway to Asia, carrying live crabs and other fresh seafood. The flights are routed through DHL’s hub in Oslo.

DHL plans to increase the frequency of deliveries from Oslo to Asia to three flights per week.

Almost 90% of the seafood is flown directly to Seoul, while the remainder is flown to destinations in China, Japan and the US.

“Our unique solution is tailored to our customers’ needs, contributing significantly to the logistical accessibility of the region,” said Trond Ørjan Olsen, head of air freight at DHL Global Forwarding in Norway. “The transportation of fresh seafood is challenging, but due to our extensive expertise in temperature-controlled logistics and the capacity of a global network, we can ensure high-quality delivery with process-oriented flexibility and speed. Our service for seafood transport, processing and distribution allows customers in Asia and the US to enjoy fresh fish from Barents Sea and the Norwegian fjords.”

The types of seafood being transported include king crabs, snow crabs, shrimps, cod, haddock, pollock, sea urchin, scallops and salmon, according to DHL.