SATS TO OPEN DEDICATED PERISHABLES CENTER

Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) has announced plans to launch Coolport @ Changi – a 250,000 tonne annual capacity, on-airport perishables handling center – in the first quarter of 2010.

Costing approximately S$12 million (US$8.6 million) to build, the 8,000 square meter facility (expandable to 14,000 square meters), which will be located within the existing Airfreight Terminal 2, will be used for the storage of both terminal and transit perishables cargo within the Free Trade Zone.

Multi-tiered zones, with diff erent temperatures ranging from -28°C to 18°C, will be able to handle commodities such as live seafood, ornamental fish, meats, flowers, and pharmaceutical products including vaccines.

According to SATS, Coolport @ Changi has been designed in accordance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines for food safety and in compliance with international standards of cool chain integrity.

It also aims to be the first Halal-certified air cargo hub for perishables in Asia Pacific. A specialist perishables cargo freight forwarder, Australia’s Hellman Perishable Logistics, has been selected by SATS as partner and consultant for the facility.

Announcing the details at a special gala lunch, President and CEO of SATS Clement Woon said: “Our vision is for Coolport @ Changi to become the preferred transhipment hub for those categories of products requiring a secure cool chain logistics process.”

And managing director of Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), Dr Beh Swan Gin noted, “Coolport @ Changi will enhance Singapore’s positioning as an efficient, secure and reliable node for the perishables market in Asia.”