Within this environment, medication handling remains a critical and highly regulated function. Medications must be prepared accurately and safely, with full compliance to labelling, traceability and expiry requirements. At the same time, operational steps such as sorting bulk medication, repacking into single-use formats, labelling, barcoding and quality checks are labour-intensive, placing pressure on space, manpower and time within healthcare institutions.

Through ongoing engagement with healthcare partners, it became clear that these operational demands were increasingly difficult to manage within healthcare institutions, particularly as patient volumes continued to rise and workforce pressures persisted.

Supporting medication workflows beyond hospital settings
As healthcare providers looked for ways to manage these operational demands while maintaining the required quality, safety and regulatory standards, there was a need for additional capacity to support medication preparation.

To address this need, Kuehne+Nagel expanded its existing healthcare logistics operations in Singapore to support medication repackaging and labelling activities within a controlled environment outside healthcare institutions. The solution builds on healthcare logistics operations that have supported medication workflows in Singapore for many years, as well as established healthcare and pharmaceutical operations supported by GMP-compliant facilities, specialised infrastructure and trained personnel, including qualified pharmacists and dedicated quality teams.

All repackaging and labelling activities are carried out in licensed, clean and controlled premises under pharmacist supervision. Processes are governed by robust quality systems that support accurate labelling, expiry management and full traceability, helping to maintain patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Reducing operational burden to protect clinical time
Today, these healthcare logistics operations are conducted at scale, with more than 20 dedicated production stations supporting medication packaging activities across both ambient (15°C to 25°C) and cold chain (2°C to 8°C) conditions. This dedicated capacity helps reduce the operational burden on healthcare facilities, where such activities are typically carried out by small pharmacy teams alongside their clinical responsibilities.

Preparing medications in unit dose repackaging formats can support a range of care delivery models. While the current focus is on supporting hospital operations, the approach may also offer opportunities to support community-based and home-centred care models in the future, where appropriate and subject to relevant requirements and quality controls.

For healthcare providers, the impact is practical. Medication packaging outside of their healthcare institutions reduce pressure on limited onsite space, provides access to compliant infrastructure with built-in resilience, and allows capacity to be adjusted in line with changing demand without significant additional investment. Most importantly, it helps protect the time of pharmacists, nurses and clinicians, allowing them to focus on patient care and clinical responsibilities.

A support role within a changing healthcare landscape
As Singapore continues to strengthen preventive care and support healthier ageing, reducing operational burden plays an important role in sustaining the healthcare system. By combining healthcare logistics expertise, GMP-compliant operations and dedicated quality oversight, Kuehne+Nagel supports safe and reliable medication workflows that help healthcare institutions manage growing demand while allowing pharmacists, nurses and clinicians to focus on patient care.

Picture: Michael Opitz (Executive Producer at BigSun), Sebastian Oehme (Creative Director at BigSun), Marc Strolz (Head of Brand at Kuehne+Nagel), and Alexander V. Kammel the Festival Director at Internationale Wirtschaftsfilmtage

Kuehne+Nagel’s documentary series Where Next Season 1 has been recognised with six awards at the Internationale Wirtschaftsfilmtage 2026 in Vienna, receiving three Gold and three Silver distinctions in a strong endorsement of the series’ impact and storytelling. 

The awards span documentary, event and digital content categories, reflecting the breadth of the series and its ability to engage audiences across different formats and platforms.

For everyone involved in bringing Where Next to life, this recognition is a meaningful milestone. As one of Europe’s leading corporate film festivals, the Internationale Wirtschaftsfilmtage celebrates excellence in storytelling, innovation and business communication. Receiving six awards among an international field of entries is both an honour and a testament to the ambition behind the series. 

The recognition also reflects the growing role of Where Next in fostering conversations that extend beyond traditional corporate narratives. 

As Marco Strolz, Global Head of Brand at Kuehne+Nagel, puts it: “Our series is built on a simple conviction: that a logistics company like ours has something genuinely interesting to say about how global commerce shapes the world we live in.”  

Developed in collaboration with experts across science, engineering, economics and design, the series explores the semiconductor industry, a critical yet fragile global supply chain, and reflects a broader ambition to engage with systemic change. 

Where Next Season 2: Crisis, Hope and Opportunity, released on May 12, 2026, expands this perspective. It examines how overlapping pressures, from climate change and economic uncertainty to social disruption and rapid technological change, are reshaping the path towards more resilient futures. 

VM Building Solutions, a key player in the roofing and facade industry, had a clear ambition: transform its logistics operations to better serve its customers across Western Europe. Known for its high-quality zinc and EPDM* membrane solutions, VM Building Solutions also stands out for its commitment to supporting professionals with technical expertise and long-term reliability. Operating in 22 countries, VM Building Solutions understood that quality product must be matched by excellence in logistics. And this is where the story begins.

Bringing pieces together

In 2021, VM Building Solutions and Kuehne+Nagel turned this vision into reality. Together, they inaugurated a 36,000 m² fulfilment centre in Lambres-lez-Douai, Northern France, bringing together the operations of six distribution sites under one roof. This was not just a warehouse. It was a strategic pivot: a single, streamlined operation designed to serve Northern France, the Benelux, the UK, and Ireland with greater agility and adaptability. What makes this collaboration truly unique is the co-construction approach that shaped the project from the ground up. “We didn’t just hand over a project, we built it together during a very challenging time,” says Geert Oliebos, Supply chain manager at VM Building Solutions. “From the layout to the classification of goods, Kuehne+Nagel was with us every step of the way.”

Expertise that makes a difference

The Lambres-lez-Douai site is a testament to Kuehne+Nagel’s ability to manage complex, non-standard logistics with precision. Whether it is industrial pallets weighing as much as three tonnes, tiny parts measuring just three millimetres, or gutters extending up to six metres, the facility is equipped to handle an extensive range of sizes and specific needs. Behind the scenes, a control tower organises road logistics and optimises truck load rates ensuring efficient transport across the region, and specific WMS and TMS have been tailored for the needs of VM Building Solutions. The site also demonstrates strong ADR competence, managing hazardous materials in full compliance with European regulations. Other innovations include real-time photo tracking from the moment a truck is loaded, a photo is taken and instantly uploaded to a secure server, allowing immediate access and traceability of each shipment.

Looking ahead

Following the successful integration of several VM Building Solutions activities under one roof, the Lambres-lez-Douai hub is evolving into a multi-functional logistics platform, ready to integrate export flows and support additional business units. Each new layer added to the hub reflects a commitment to continuous improvement turning a logistics centre into a true nerve centre for innovation, agility, and growth. “We see Kuehne+Nagel not just as a logistics provider, but as a true partner in our transformation,” says Geert Oliebos. “They understand our complexity, they challenge us, and they help us move forward, locally and internationally.”

*EPDM stands for Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer, which is a type of synthetic rubber widely used in roofing applications.

In an ambitious move to paint industry insight with strokes of supply chain storytelling, Kuehne+Nagel released its first-ever original documentary series this year: Where Next.  

Produced with cinematic scope that is both entertaining and educational, Where Next takes its audience into the indispensable world of semiconductors. Those tiny components forming the backbone of modern life. Their supply chains reveal a fragility and complexity of our deeply interconnected systems. 

But unlike most storylines about the semicon industry, this documentary shows what the industry offers in ways of collaborative and design thinking, ideas of resilience, and what kind of innovation is testing the integration of our systems where supply chains play a critical role. 

“Only those who imagine where we can go next will be able to positively impact our global economy and society,” says Stefan Paul, CEO of Kuehne+Nagel, in his opening video introducing the series.  

The series recently won Gold and Silver in four categories at Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards international film festival: Gold in Web Documentaries, Silver in Science/Technology/Innovation, Branded Documentaries, and Trailers & Teasers.  

“Where Next is a way for the Kuehne+Nagel brand to show what it can do best: bringing people to the table, finding a way forward. This series is one of many platforms we are building for collaborative thinking. It’s a great achievement for our company to have this approach resonate with so many people, and now here at the world’s most renowned film capitals.” –Marc Strolz, Head of Brand at Kuehne+Nagel who accepted the awards on behalf of all who made this project possible.

Dahlgren Duck is a distinguished American company known for sourcing and delivering high-end custom luxury furnishings to private homes, estates, and vacation properties. Every item is tailored to their customer’s unique vision, with a focus on quality and precision. This attention to detail has earned Dahlgren Duck a trusted reputation in the global luxury market.

“Our customers know what they want. We partner with designers hired by luxury homeowners who have a very specific picture in mind. It's up to us to flesh out the details,” says Lori Smith, Global supply chain director. This close collaboration ensures that each project is carried out with care, making the process both rewarding and personal.
 

An eye for detail

"A critical partner in this process is Kuehne+Nagel. Their teams manage quality control and logistics for Dahlgren Duck throughout Europe. Each item, such as chandeliers, accessories, luxury dinnerware, and even custom works of art, passes through Kuehne+Nagel’s fulfilment centre in Doesburg, the Netherlands. There, every piece is carefully inspected. This is extremely important to us, because our customers expect the best of the best,” says Lori. “Of course, something can always break or go wrong during transport, so we want to know as soon as possible. We operate out of the United States so we need critical eyes in Europe.” Once quality control is complete, Kuehne+Nagel sorts products according to the project brief. “For example, per room, so that we can quickly transport it to the right place on location,” she explains. “In this way, both Dahlgren Duck and Kuehne+Nagel own the logistics for our customers.”
 

Feels like family

Lori speaks highly of the team at Kuehne+Nagel. “Jon is phenomenal,” she says with a laugh. “He identifies quality problems, thinks with us, and prevents mistakes. He once discovered damaged works of art before they were shipped.” Yoni, another Kuehne+Nagel colleague, also plays a key role. “We can always reach out to her if we have a challenge.” This year alone, Lori has met the Kuehne+Nagel team in Europe on three occasions. “It feels like family,” she says. “We work together from the same level of commitment and professionalism. There’s an inherent trust between our teams, with a shared goal of exceptional customer service for the Dahlgren Duck customer base. Having a team built on trust, consistency, and commitment has created that family feel. It shows in the work we deliver to our clients: excellence and peace of mind.”

Expanding the partnership

The partnership with Kuehne+Nagel now extends beyond the Netherlands. “We also have logistical relationships in Dubai for storage. And who knows, more hubs may follow,” says Smith. “This is the right time, because the foundation is in place.” Dahlgren Duck is seeing growing demand from markets such as the UK, Spain, France, Italy, and the Middle East. “Both teams are excited about what’s next. We share the same values and focus on delivering exceptional service.”

Each year, as the full moon lights up the night sky, Chinese families around the world gather to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Lanterns glow, mooncakes are shared, and porcelain cups of Chinese tea are poured. More than a seasonal ritual, the festival is a moment of reunion, gratitude and reflection. At its centre lies tea, a drink that not only symbolises harmony, continuity and connection, but also carries the rich cultural heritage of China.

Tea from hills to homes
The story of Chinese tea is one of heritage and movement. From the emerald hills of Hangzhou and the cliffs of Wuyi Mountain, tea has travelled far beyond its origins. Carried first by caravans along the Silk Road, later by ships across oceans, tea grew into one of the world’s most traded commodities.

Today, its journey continues, no longer by camel or sail but through highly coordinated supply chains that connect plantations to cities across the globe. From homes in Shanghai to cafés in London, from teahouses in Nairobi to living rooms in Sydney, Chinese tea arrives, thanks to the precision and care of modern logistics.

Carrying the flavour of tea
Tea is as fragile as it is celebrated. Humidity, odours and sudden temperature changes can all alter its delicate flavour. That is why logistics plays a critical role in every step of its journey. Carriers and logistics providers offer specialised services for tea, including food-grade container, climate-controlled storage, intermodal transport and compliance with country-specific regulations. The peak export season, typically from April to June, requires careful coordination to prevent spoilage and ensure timely delivery.

Behind the scenes, logistics ensures that the aroma and taste of Chinese tea remain intact, so that by the time it is poured beneath the Mid-Autumn moon, it carries the same fragrance as the day it was picked.

Innovation under the moonlight
Like many global supply chains, the tea trade is transforming. Digital tracking provides real-time visibility from origin to destination. Electronic documentation streamlines customs processes. Eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral transport options are gaining ground as both producers and logistics providers align with climate goals.

At Kuehne+Nagel, we bring together these innovations with decades of expertise to ensure tea arrives fresh, safe and sustainable. For us, delivering tea is not only about moving goods but about protecting traditions, supporting communities and connecting people worldwide.

Delivering moments that matter
From bold pu’er (普洱茶) aged through generations to fragrant green teas poured for family reunions, Chinese tea weaves stories of heritage and togetherness, offering a taste of home wherever it is shared.

This Mid-Autumn Festival, as cups are raised beneath silver skies, Kuehne+Nagel is proud to play a role in delivering moments that matter, moments steeped in tea, tradition and togetherness.

From all of us at Kuehne+Nagel, we wish you and your family a joyous Mid-Autumn Festival — May tea fill the room with fragrance, and may the full moon reunite every family.

茶香中秋夜、月华共此时。

From harvest to harbour

Coffee is among the most traded commodities in the world. The top three exporters, Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia, ship millions of tonnes each year. From Brazil’s vast plantations, Vietnam’s highland farms and Colombia’s mountain slopes, beans are harvested, processed, packed and prepared for export.

Vietnam is among the largest exporters of robusta coffee globally, with robusta making up almost all its output. These beans, prized for their strength and caffeine content, are shipped from the Central Highlands to ports such as Ho Chi Minh City and then on to markets around the globe. 

Getting coffee from farm to consumer requires both careful preparation and efficient transport. Beans are packed in jute bags, hermetic liners or vacuum-sealed packaging to guard against moisture and pests, then stacked on pallets and loaded into 20-foot containers, chosen for their handling efficiency. To preserve quality over long journeys, containers may include humidity-control devices, liners or ventilation systems that regulate airflow and prevent mould. While handling is not overly complex, containers must always be clean, dry and free from odours or residues to protect the beans. From trucks in Buon Ma Thuot to ports in Hamburg, every step is designed to keep flavour intact throughout the journey.

More than a sip

Yet coffee is more than a beverage. It is a bridge between people, cultures and conversations. In Italy, a quick espresso marks the rhythm of the day. In Sweden, fika brings colleagues and friends together. In Turkey, thick, unfiltered coffee served in small cups carries centuries of tradition, often read in the patterns it leaves behind. And in Vietnam, when someone asks, “Shall we grab a coffee?”, it is often an invitation to share, confide or discuss something heartfelt.

Aroma of identity

Vietnam’s coffee culture reflects both its creativity and its unique agricultural base. Unlike many countries that cultivate mainly arabica, Vietnam’s geography and climate favour robusta beans, known for their stronger, more bitter flavour and higher caffeine content. This has shaped distinctive ways of preparing and enjoying coffee:

• Drip coffee: Brewed slowly through a small metal filter, drip coffee is often enjoyed over ice with condensed milk, creating the famous “ca phe sua da”.
• Egg coffee (Hanoi): Strong coffee topped with a frothy, sweet layer of whipped egg yolk, sugar and condensed milk, creating a silky indulge.

• Salt coffee (Hue): A blend of rich coffee with a touch of salted cream, balancing bitterness with savoury sweetness.
• Coconut coffee (Ho Chi Minh City): A refreshing mix of iced coffee and coconut milk, smooth and tropical.

Behind every brew

Behind each recipe, each gathering and each sip is a network of logistics making it possible. Every container delivered on time, every supply chain carefully orchestrated, ensures that coffee keeps flowing from farmer to friend, from harvest to heart.

At Kuehne+Nagel, we are proud to play a part in this journey. Because delivering coffee is not just about moving goods. It is about delivering moments that matter.

And when the cargo weighs 17,300 tonnes, that kind of meticulous planning is essential. Every detail, every gram, every millimetre of rope can impact a project of this scale.

The reason for such vigilance? Nothing less than the largest floating drydock ever built in Türkiye.

Floating drydocks are U-shaped mobile structures used in the maritime industry to repair and maintain vessels, especially those with damage below the waterline. The advantage of floating drydocks is that they are not fixed in one place and can be moved to different locations for better accessibility. By submerging beneath a vessel and then deballasting, they lift ships out of the water for service. As most drydocks do not have engines, they must be towed to their designated locations.

Kuehne+Nagel was entrusted with the transport of this drydock by General Dynamics NASSCO, an American shipbuilding and repair company. The task sounded simple: move the floating drydock from the shipyard in Yalova, where it was built, to NASSCO’s shipyard in San Diego, USA.

“For our team, the project began the moment the mooring ropes securing the drydock to the dock were released," continues Aliye Erkan Bıyık. "Once freed, the drydock was towed by four tugboats into open waters, in preparation for loading onto a larger vessel that would carry it to its final destination, San Diego.”

Manoeuvring a 17,300-tonne drydock measuring over 253 metres in length, 54 metres in width, and 21 metres in height is no easy task.

Four tugboats pulled the drydock and carefully positioned it at the stern of BOKA Vanguard, one of the largest semi-submersible heavy-lift ships in the world, owned by maritime services provider Boskalis. With a length of 275 metres and a width of over 75 metres, BOKA Vanguard is capable of transporting some of the heaviest and largest structures, including those that are larger than the vessel itself.

“Thanks to the submersible capabilities of BOKA Vanguard, the support of tugboats, and the supervision of the mooring crew and Kuehne+Nagel’s engineering team aboard the drydock, we were able to safely position and lash the structure onto the vessel,” explains Aliye. “The process of securing the drydock was not rushed and took several days: every centimetre, every millimetre had to be double-checked. We also had additional support boats on standby to shuttle crew and engineers between the port, the drydock, and the carrier ship.”

After three days of intense operations, the floating drydock was secured aboard BOKA Vanguard, ready to embark on its 13,500-nautical-mile journey, crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and braving storms with waves reaching up to 20 metres. Due to its size, BOKA Vanguard could not pass through the Panama Canal.

The complexity of the project was truly extraordinary. On the surface, it might sound like a simple heavy-lift job, transporting oversized cargo from Yalova to San Diego. But the cargo measured in hundreds of metres and thousands of tonnes, without engines to move it between the locations, between the continents? That’s something completely different. It took months of planning, designing, measuring, calculating, checking, and then re-checking, re-calculating, to ensure the two sea giants could become one and sail safely.

Bon voyage, BOKA Vanguard.

We will see you in San Diego, where our Kuehne+Nagel USA team awaits to oversee the final delivery to our customer.

Stay tuned!

The story of the British company started 28 years ago with an idea from the founder, Anthony Pile, who was dissatisfied with the quality of imported fruit. The problem? Fruit was picked unripe to survive the long transportation—at the expense of taste and nutritional value. Moreover, the transport was not efficient—even foliage and peel, as with pineapple, went on the boat. With cut fruit, only the edible part remains. Pile came up with a solution: let the fruit ripen locally, cut and pack it directly where it is grown, and then transport it by plane to Europe in a cooled state. Skin and pits remain in the country of origin where they are turned into compost for growing even better fruits.

Blue Skies collaborates with Kuehne+Nagel for the transportation of their products from tropical locations to Dutch supermarkets. “Kuehne+Nagel is flexible, is reliable and thinks about sustainability—exactly what we need in this chain,” says Paul van Breukelen, Sales Director at Blue Skies.

Social Impact

Blue Skies collaborates closely with local farmers in countries like Ghana where finished products are made where the food is grown. This local activity ensures that benefits go directly to the communities. “Adding value at the source means that economic benefits stay with the people at the beginning of the chain, fostering employment and development,” adds Paul.

This approach has helped regions like the Ghanaian village of Nsawam, where many Blue Skies employees live. The village has seen significant development, with improved incomes, better education, and enhanced infrastructure.

Reliable supply Chain

Blue Skies' products are transported in the bellies of passenger planes. “People often don't realise that we use the capacity of passenger planes that are flying anyway,” adds the Commercial Director. “We avoid using cargo planes unnecessarily and in contrast to most others, we are not transporting the skin, pits and other waste from fruit processing”.

Once the products arrive at Schiphol Airport, Kuehne+Nagel transfers the containers immediately to their refrigerated storage facilities, where the fruits are palletised for further distribution. “Most of the fruits go from tree to shelf within 48 hours,” says Paul. “That speed is important for quality, something to be proud of. It's nice that Kuehne+Nagel offers us a dedicated team of specialists. They are the last ones to see our fruits before they go to the supermarket, so they play an important role in quality.”

Working together for sustainability

Blue Skies and Kuehne+Nagel are working together to make the supply chain more sustainable, including reducing and recycling packaging materials. For example, they have optimised transportation processes to use less cardboard, focusing on transporting as cost effective and climate friendly as possible. “Partners like Kuehne+Nagel support this sustainability drive, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement in the supply chain,” concludes Paul.

The magic of gelato and sorbet
Gelato, which translates to “frozen” from Italian, has been enchanting taste buds since the 16^th century. Unlike ice cream, gelato is known for its creamy, dense texture and lower fat content. Made with more milk and less cream, and typically without egg yolks, gelato offers a unique elasticity that sets it apart. Flavours like pistachio, hazelnut, coffee, tiramisu, and stracciatella (chocolate chip) are beloved by many.

Sorbet, on the other hand, is a refreshing, fruit-based, dairy-free dessert. Served at a cooler temperature than gelato, sorbet is celebrated for its vibrant, fruity flavours such as mandorla (almond), limone (lemon), and fragola (strawberry). Often used as a palate cleanser, sorbet provides a burst of freshness that complements the heat of summer.

The journey of flavour
The journey of gelato and sorbet begins in the renowned gelaterias of Italy, where skilled artisans craft each batch with precision and care. Using the finest ingredients, they create flavours that capture the essence of summer. Once prepared, these treats are not just packaged, but carefully wrapped and sealed to preserve their freshness, and then loaded into temperature-controlled containers set at -25°C, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.

The adventure continues as these containers are transported by truck to key ports like Genoa and Naples. Here, they are prepared for a grand sea voyage, crossing vast oceans to reach distribution centres around the world. Upon arrival, the gelato and sorbet are stored in refrigerated cells at -25 to -28°C, protected from heat and moisture.

Imagine a producer in the picturesque Parma, Italy, sending their precious cargo to a US importer in bustling New York City. The journey takes approximately 21 days, each moment ensuring the gelato remains as fresh as the day it was made. Similarly, another producer sends their cargo to a Japanese importer in vibrant Tokyo, a journey that spans around 56 days.

From these distribution centres, the gelato and sorbet embark on their final leg of the journey. They are distributed to supermarkets, restaurants, and cafés, ready to bring joy to families and friends. Each scoop, each bite, is not just a testament to the journey it has taken, but also a moment of shared happiness, arriving in perfect condition, ready to be enjoyed.

Moments of joy
Picture a hot summer day at the beach or a serene afternoon in a coastal café. You reach for a scoop of pistachio gelato or a refreshing lime and basil sorbet, savouring the vibrant flavours as they melt in your mouth. These simple pleasures, made possible by intricate logistics, bring a touch of magic to our lives.

Behind every delightful scoop is a journey of dedication and precision, ensuring each bite is perfect. So next time you enjoy a gelato or sorbet, take a moment to appreciate the journey it took to get there—bringing a taste of summer to your day, no matter where you are.

Kuehne+Nagel and City Zone Express have taken the lead as anchor tenants at the new Bukit Kayu Hitam Inland Container Depot (BKH ICD) Hub, which commenced operations on May 1, 2025. This strategic move underscores our commitment to shaping the future of cross-border logistics between Malaysia and Thailand.

In 2018, Malaysia launched the Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) in Bukit Kayu Hitam, aiming to enhance cross-border infrastructure and tap into southern Thailand’s economic momentum. Spanning 11,619 acres, the development includes a land port, a free trade zone, and a commercial area.

Although the concept was initiated in 2018, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted progress. The project resumed in 2021 and commenced operations in Q1 2025. Now known as the Bukit Kayu Hitam Inland Container Depot (BKH ICD) Hub, the site is fully operational, featuring Free Commercial Zone warehouses less than 500 metres from Malaysia’s customs checkpoint. The hub also includes:

• An open yard with capacity for 250,000 TEUs
• Container repair facilities
• LOLO services
• Reefer container systems
• VGM capabilities
• Dedicated customs lanes operating 24/7

The BKH ICD Hub also supports Penang Port's Transshipment Hub Strategy, with plans to establish an Academic Logistics Institute.

Our early engagement with the BKH ICD team, established presence in Penang and Bukit Kayu Hitam, and strong foothold in cross-border movements between Thailand and Malaysia positioned us well to lead this initiative. We have already set up facilities for customs clearance documentation and a yard, which are now consolidated under the BKH ICD roof. With a dedicated space of 1,700 sqm, this partnership will enable faster clearance through:

• In-house customs capabilities
• Seamless cross-docking
• LTL (Less-than-truckload) shipment consolidation
• A dedicated lane for Thai trucks post-clearance

Beyond operational benefits, we are also committed to driver welfare. The hub features a trucker’s lounge and on-site restaurants to promote rest, reduce fatigue, and enhance productivity.

Chellan Ganesan, Head of Road Logistics, Asia and the Pacific, Kuehne+Nagel commented, “We see this as a strategic fit to our Roadmap 2026 and Vision 2030 initiatives in advancing cross-border road transportation in this corridor. With BKH ICD, we are setting a new standard for regional logistics and paving the way for a smarter, more efficient future for cross-border movements.

Analysts predict that land transport via Thai-Malaysian border checkpoints will soon surpass marine transport in efficiency. Malaysia and Thailand are targeting US$30 billion in bilateral trade by 2027, driven by the rise of international cross-border trucking. Our partnership is both timely and transformative¹.”

1 Source 

Bees are crucial for food production. In Australia, nearly two-thirds of agricultural production benefits from bee pollination, including many fruits and nuts that make our breakfasts delightful.

Celebrating World Bee Day
World Bee Day, May 20, highlights the vital role of bees and encourages actions to protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats.

Australia celebrates with events emphasising bees’ importance in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and food security. The 2025 theme, “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”, underscores these roles. Bees in Australia pollinate many crops, including almonds, apples, peaches, cherries, nectarines, blueberries, strawberries, cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons.

Cherry shipments from Australia to Asia
While globally, Chile is a top cherry exporter, let’s focus here on Australia: Due to its significant bee conservation efforts and its expanding cherry industry with exports to the whole Asian continent, including Hong Kong, Vietnam, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

The journey of cherries begins early in the morning with skilled hands carefully handpicking the best quality cherries just before they reach full ripeness. Once harvested, the cherries are swiftly transported to a nearby facility for meticulous sorting and grading. They are quickly cooled to around 0-2°C to preserve their freshness and extend their shelf life.

After cooling, the cherries are gently packed into protective cartons and undergo a final quality control check. They are then loaded onto refrigerated trucks and transported to an export facility, where the necessary documentation is prepared. Kuehne+Nagel's FreshChain ensures that the cherries are handled with the highest quality and safety standards.

Depending on the export market, cherries may need specific treatments based on international agreements. For instance, Australian cherries must be irradiated before export, while shipments to China and Indonesia require fumigation. No treatments are needed for Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. The cherries are then air-freighted to ensure peak freshness and condition. With air freight, the entire journey from harvest to plate takes only approximately three days from Australia to Asia.

Upon arrival in the destination countries, the cherries clear customs and are distributed to wholesalers and retailers, ensuring they reach consumers at peak freshness and condition. This well-coordinated journey, supported by the FreshChain’s rigorous standards, ensures that cherries from Australia bring joy and deliciousness to tables across Asia.

Cultivating moments: The essential role of logistics in agriculture
Logistics are crucial in agriculture, ensuring goods move smoothly from farms to our tables. This process involves production, acquisition, storage, handling, transportation, and distribution. An efficient logistics system helps meet customer needs, minimise costs, and reduce losses.

Whether it’s enjoying a peach-cherry smoothie or granola with nectarine with loved ones, these moments are made possible by the intricate network of pollinators and logistics that ensure high-quality produce is available. So, next time you savour a weekend brunch, take a moment to appreciate the bees and the logistics that make it all possible.

Kuehne+Nagel leverages its extensive global network to gather data on its operations. "Our colleagues, spread across the world, maintain close relationships with customers and are always near the operations. This proximity allows us to quickly identify and report disruptions, ensuring our customers receive the most accurate and detailed information," shares Kathrin Wolf, Global Sea Logistics seaexplorer Product Manager at Kuehne+Nagel. 

SeaNews goes beyond general news by offering updates on current disruptions. "Our close contact with carriers and other stakeholders allows us to gather exclusive information. Additionally, our in-house experts share their expertise and opinions, providing even deeper insights and evaluation of the situation", Kathrin elaborates. 

Kuehne+Nagel has now launched SeaNews weekly summaries - a newsletter that includes a curated overview of significant port operational updates, expert analysis, and links to real-time information on seaexplorer.  

As the global landscape continues to evolve, Kuehne+Nagel remains dedicated to supporting its customers and partners with innovative solutions and expert insights.  

Subscribe today to the SeaNews weekly updates to stay informed about the latest developments in the industry. 

That’s right. Thousands of generators produce the electricity needed to power these massive events. Hidden behind the scenes, they are far from obsolete - they are at the centre of attention for every event organiser.

Aggreko, a company headquartered in Scotland, is a global leader in providing temporary mobile and modular power solutions for some of the world’s most iconic events - often those that attract tens of thousands of people and demand robust supporting infrastructure, including reliable electricity.

Recently Aggreko’s generators, spare parts, and supporting equipment of various sizes had to be delivered to an important event in Azerbaijan from multiple global locations within a tight deadline.

"Despite the majority of the generators being stored in the UAE, the project was far from easy," commented Debbie Reid, Global Project Logistics Solutions Manager, based in Dubai. "The ongoing Red Sea crisis meant that if we were to rely on sea logistics, we would have to route the cargo via the Cape of Good Hope, adding an additional two weeks to the journey. With tight deadlines, this was not an option. Instead, we decided to utilise our Sea-Road solution."

The complexity of the shipment required a practical solution: the cargo was transported from Jebel Ali Port on the outskirts of Dubai to Um Qasr Port in Iraq, where it was loaded, often with crane assistance due to its heavy weight, onto 107 trucks. This impressive convoy then journeyed across Iraq with a security escort to ensure maximum safety.

To cross into Türkiye, Georgia, and eventually Azerbaijan, the generators had to be reloaded onto trucks registered in Türkiye, once again requiring heavy lifting and careful handling.

Each border crossing required customs clearance, multiple permits, and detailed product and transport documentation. However, as the entire process, including customs clearance, was managed by the Kuehne+Nagel team, every step was meticulously planned and executed to avoid any delays in the already tight schedule.

Simultaneously, Aggreko dispatched equipment from locations in Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, the UK, and India to ensure sufficient equipment arrived at the event location.

“The journey from the European locations was relatively easy - all equipment was loaded onto the trucks and travelled from the location,” added Haidy Hassan, Project Logistics Customer Excellence Team Leader based in Dubai. “However, crossing several borders between the point of origin in Europe and Azerbaijan could have been challenging if not for our meticulously prepared documentation for customs clearance and the detailed planning of the entire journey.”

Overall, 1,078 tons of generators and parts were shipped to Azerbaijan via road freight, atop 113 trucks from locations in Europe and the UAE. A further 1,000 tons were shipped via sea freight, and 150 tons of urgently required equipment were shipped via air freight from India, Dubai, and Europe.

“Seeing the trucks unloading the generators at the location of the event was a sign of relief. But the true victory moment came when the event was in full swing, with thousands of people walking among lit booths, with working air conditioning, charging their phone batteries, enjoying fresh coffee from the coffee machines, and meals freshly taken out of the oven,” reminisced Hassan. “And we reflected on that and asked ourselves: do the visitors know how much effort went into supplying something so simple, something taken for granted - the power behind it all?”

Yet, there is no time to waste. Aggreko’s generators are already needed elsewhere to power another iconic event, enabling visitors to fully enjoy the experience. The Kuehne+Nagel team is busy organising the demobilization and mobilization, ready for the next assignment.

The Easter egg hunt is filled with laughter, excitement, and sweet rewards. For many families, it marks the arrival of spring and brings generations together in celebration.

The season of sweet surprises
Easter is one of the busiest times of the year for the chocolate industry. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, chocolate sales surge into the hundreds of millions, with shelves filling up eggs, bunnies, and treats of all shapes and sizes. Whether given as gifts, shared in egg hunts, or simply enjoyed at home, chocolate is at the heart of the Easter experience.

Behind the scenes, logistics plays a critical role—ensuring that these delicate seasonal treats are delivered in perfect condition, on time and ready to delight.

From Europe to your basket: The chocolate trail
The journey begins in renowned chocolate factories across Switzerland, Belgium, and the UK, where skilled chocolatiers craft Easter eggs and festive treats with care and precision. Every item is made to meet the seasonal demand, with a strong focus on quality and consistency.

Once produced, the chocolates are packaged to preserve freshness and loaded into temperature-controlled containers—reefers at setpoint +16°C. These containers also feature humidity control systems to ensure each piece arrives in perfect condition.

From there, the reefers are transported by truck with underslung genset chassis to key ports such as Antwerp in Belgium or Felixstowe in the UK, then shipped across the globe via sea freight. Upon arrival, the chocolates are cleared through customs, sent to distribution centres, and delivered to retail stores and boutiques.

To extend shelf life and maintain quality, chocolates are stored in cool, dry conditions—away from heat, sunlight, and moisture—while airtight packaging helps lock in freshness until they're ready to be enjoyed.

This carefully managed supply chain ensures that Easter treats arrive on time, in perfect shape, and ready to contribute to family traditions and joyful memories.

The hidden joy of Easter eggs
Beyond chocolate, Easter eggs have taken on new life in pop culture. In video games, they are hidden features or secrets that reward curiosity. In movies and shows, they appear as inside jokes or subtle references—delighting fans who spot them.

Digital or edible, these small surprises spark wonder. They connect us to stories, traditions, and each other.

 
Moments made to be discovered
A chocolate bunny found in a backyard. A hidden detail spotted in a film. These simple discoveries create lasting impressions. And behind them all is the unseen precision of logistics, ensuring that joy arrives exactly when and where it is meant to.

At Kuehne+Nagel, we are proud to be a part of these joyous moments. When it comes to delivering delight, it is the details—and the journey—that matter most, and we are honoured to play our part in bringing these moments to life.

This year, globally, there are two inextricably linked themes for IWD. First, the theme from the United Nations, is "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." Kuehne+Nagel is a participant in the United Nation’s Global Compact. This theme emphasises the need for actions that promote equal rights and opportunities for everyone, focusing on empowering future generations to become catalysts for lasting change.  

The second theme we are aligned to is the theme for IWD for 2025, “Accelerate Action.” According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. IWD emphasises the urgency of taking swift action to address systemic barriers and biases women face in both personal and professional spheres. 

At Kuehne+Nagel, we take great pride in celebrating women in the workplace and are deeply committed to empowering women to thrive in their careers.  

Today, we hear from some of these amazing women from across the globe, in a Q&A style interview, about how their careers at Kuehne+Nagel have been more than they ever could have imagined, offering them the opportunity to make an impact that goes beyond moving goods.  

What are you responsible for in your current role and what achievements are you most proud of?   
 

“In my current role at Kuehne+Nagel, I am responsible for customer onboarding in Contract Logistics as part of the global team. Our mission is to launch new operations for our customers. This involves a high level of teamwork and collaboration. We work closely with various departments to ensure that every aspect of the launch is meticulously planned and executed. One of the achievements I am most proud of at Kuehne+Nagel is leading the hyper care team for adidas Italy. Every effort from the team had a significant positive impact on the operation, and none of this would have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of our excellent team. We've grown and succeeded together, and we are now planning the go-live of our e-commerce platform.” -- Carina Rojas, Global Head of Customer Onboarding, Kuehne+Nagel  

Learn more about our work with adidas to open Kuehne+Nagel’s largest-ever logistics hub here.   

“Currently, I am the Contract Logistics Site Manager at a warehouse in Zaragoza, which has 36,000 sqm and Seveso certification, and I am responsible for more than 80 people. I joined the Zaragoza site at a turbulent time due to the drastic growth in business volume, having just moved to new and complex facilities. But thanks to the effort of the entire team, since 2023, we have received the company’s highest internal recognition for excellence and continuous improvement. We closed the year with a result that almost doubled the profit of the previous year, and the client rates us as the best warehouse and supplier within their EMEA network. Throughout my 12 years at Kuehne+Nagel, I have had the luck and opportunity to work on projects that I am proud of, both for the achievements and the human value that accompanied me – particularly the work with our aerospace customer, which was undoubtedly a great challenge with undeniable success, in addition to the restructuring of their Operations Hub.” -- Aurora Martin, Site Manager, Zaragoza, Spain, Kuehne+Nagel Contract Logistics 

“I serve as the National Manager of Kuehne+Nagel Canada, and I have held this position since June 1, 2022. Fun fact: I have a trailblasing spirit, and I am proud to share that I am the first female for Canada in the company's history.  

Under my leadership, Kuehne+Nagel Canada has been awarded the 2023- 2024 and 2024-2025 Great Place to Work® (GPTW) certification and our executive team has been awarded two years in a row by GPTW Best Workplaces with the Most Trustworthy Executive Team. Kuehne+Nagel in Canada has also been awarded the Best Workplaces for Transportation + Logistics. Being recognised through direct feedback from our colleagues makes these honours priceless as these achievements are a glowing reflection of the commitment and trust our team embodies every day. I am passionate about creating extraordinary experiences and nurturing a culture built on trust. As I reflect, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment for building and executing on a legacy that is unique for Canada. These accomplishments are creating a new standard for Canada, and I am excited to continue this journey to inspire and create a special place for all employees.   

I’m also deeply passionate about championing women's leadership in logistics and proudly serve as the Executive Sponsor of the Kuehne+Nagel Canada’s, Women in Logistics Leadership (WILL).” -- Dianna M. Fioravanti-Ashikwe, National Manager, Kuehne+Nagel Canada  

What steps do you think need to be made to accelerate getting to a world with gender equity? What advice might you have for women at Kuehne+Nagel? 
 

“We need to start by actively encouraging women to apply for roles traditionally seen as ‘male positions.’ At our company, we are lucky to have access to mentorship programmes and leadership training opportunities. However, the real change begins with us. As women, we must step up, and challenge stereotypes. Along the way, we'll find many allies who will support us. 

For my female colleagues at Kuehne+Nagel, don't hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges. Your voice is valuable, so speak up and share your ideas confidently. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities; you can make a significant impact.” -- Carina Rojas, Global Head of Customer Onboarding, Kuehne+Nagel

“I sincerely believe that there is no accelerated formula to achieve a sustainable result in gender equity. We must accept that the path is inevitably slow, but it is important to maintain the focus on promoting diverse representation, especially in a highly male-dominated sectors, where bias is still a reality. We all must be part of the change, feel that we are the change, and act within our sphere of influence, no matter how small the impact we generate may seem.  

For my Kuehne+Nagel female colleagues, I would say that there is no easy path, nor is there an ideal way to do things, nor certainty of achieving success through effort. However, we must keep fighting, because we are not only doing it for ourselves, but we are also doing it for her: maybe a sister, a daughter, a friend, a neighbour, a colleague...and although we still have a long road ahead, we are in a favourable environment to continue building a more diverse and inclusive future. For this reason, today I am proud to be part of an organisation like Kuehne+Nagel.” -- Aurora Martin, Site Manager, Zaragoza, Spain, Kuehne+Nagel Contract Logistics 

“I am incredibly passionate about seeing talented women rise in this amazing field. This is why I am immensely proud to share that we have achieved gender parity on our Canadian leadership team. How did we achieve this?  It's not because I have handed picked women, it's because we created a safe space for someone to raise their hand. When I took the helm, I made the intentional effort to create a connected culture that is built on a culture of collaboration, openness, and psychological safety -- an environment where teams can thrive and grow. My advice to anyone at Kuehne+Nagel is to shift your mindset, a technique I refer to as “flipping the switch.” I encourage you to turn negative thoughts, obstacles and challenges into opportunities to learn, to grow and unleash your full potential. How? Think differently and envision bold, new possibilities. Turn ambiguity into positive action and approach challenges with resilience and a spirit of curiosity. Take on every challenge with a resounding “YES!” attitude.   

Some key pieces of advice:  
1. Dig deeper in your mindset. Think big, dream big and define for yourself a big scary dream!  
2. Live your odyssey. Find your inner voice, believe and trust your authentic self so that every day you are “more” than ok with who you are becoming.  
3. Shift gears within your odyssey to bring your dream to life. This means taking big steps towards that big dream; this is not about making a "change" this is about shifting gears by making big decisions to move in the direction of your big dream.  
4. Lastly, visualise your future self and think about who you want to become for 90 seconds every day. Your subconscious is very powerful and will get you there faster! If you can become the best version of you, you will always be the best for others. Ultimately, I believe the greatest “unfinished” project you will ever work on is YOU!” -- Dianna M. Fioravanti-Ashikwe, National Manager, Kuehne+Nagel Canada 

We also take the opportunity to share the story of Marjorie Wolff, Truck Driver.  Marjorie has been a heavy truck driver at Kuehne+Nagel in Strasbourg, France, since 2006. 

Marjorie starts her days with deliveries to various clients, maneuvering frequently due to the short distances between stops. In the afternoon, she moves on to "pickups," collecting goods from clients. Her job requires a great deal of autonomy. 

For Marjorie, trucking is much more than just "turning a wheel." It requires strong organisational skills, knowledge of driving and rest regulations, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing situations. Despite persistent stereotypes, she believes that gender or age should never be a barrier to pursuing this profession. Her advice? "If you want to do this job, don’t hesitate—go for it! It’s incredibly diverse and truly rewarding." 

One moment that particularly made an impact on her was when an older woman stopped to watch her expertly maneuver her truck. Afterward, the woman approached Marjorie to congratulate her, admitting that she had always dreamed of becoming a truck driver but was discouraged by societal norms of her time.  And seeing women in the profession today gave her hope. 

Watch our video interview with Marjorie to hear her full story:  

A few days after Christmas, Decathlon’s Distribution Centres across Europe experienced a surge in demand that surpassed previous forecasts, prompting the Kuehne+Nagel team to dispatch a staggering 38 full truckloads in a single day on December 27.   

“Our team wasn’t at full capacity due to the holidays”, recalls Cindy Cusin, team leader in the Road Logistics hub in Chaponnay which serves as a Control Tower for Decathlon. This is a team that is always available for the customer, coordinating all deliveries, proactively solving issues, and always seeking improvement opportunities. 

Despite the challenging situation, they managed to accommodate Decathlon's request by swiftly engaging with available road carriers and securing trucking capacity on short notice. “This kind of agility is exactly what Decathlon values in its long-standing partnership with Kuehne+Nagel, which has grown stronger year by year”, says Cindy.

A growing partnership 

The Chaponnay team mainly manages road and intermodal freight from Decathlon’s European fulfilment centres to regional distribution hubs across France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, and Romania. To a smaller extent, they also manage shipments from suppliers to warehouses and from warehouses to Decathlon stores. The team even supports Decathlon by reducing their transport emissions through an intermodal solution.  

This is what Decathlon’s Traction Flow Transport Manager had to say about the partnership: "We would like to underline the commitment of Kuehne+Nagel, and particularly the Chaponnay team, which was again by our side throughout 2024. Whether for the management of contractual flows or emergencies, their responsiveness, agility and service quality constitute essential pillars of our partnership. We know that we can count on Kuehne+Nagel during key moments to support us in satisfying our customers.” 

Kuehne+Nagel is looking forward to the next challenges to solve for Decathlon, as we continue to support them in their mission to make sport accessible to all. 

A mission with a societal purpose 

For over 30 years, Nutriset has been at the forefront of the effort against malnutrition, delivering innovative and accessible nutritional solutions to vulnerable populations around the globe, with a strong focus on Africa and the Middle East. “Our mission goes beyond the products we create. Every step in our supply chain must reflect our values of social and environmental responsibility,” says Raphael Quesnel, Logistics Manager at Nutriset.

A partner for sustainability and resilience 

To address Nutriset’s logistics challenges, Kuehne+Nagel has developed a solution to enhance delivery reliability while reducing environmental impact. “We chose Kuehne+Nagel for their expertise in low-carbon logistics solutions and their ability to ensure the resilience of our operations, which are vital to our mission of ending malnutrition globally,” adds Raphael. 

A prime example of this partnership is the implementation of a dedicated daily shuttle between Nutriset’s production facility near Rouen and its hub in Le Havre, France. Powered entirely by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a more sustainable alternative to diesel, this solution has allowed to reduce Nutriset's CO2e emissions by 83%* while maintaining smooth supply chain operations. 

Measurable results with tangible impact

In just five months, this initiative has successfully cut 77 tons* of CO2e emissions, underscoring Nutriset’s commitment to a more sustainable supply chain. “For us, it’s not just about numbers. Every tonne of CO2e saved reflects our dedication to creating a positive impact for both the communities we serve and the planet,” emphasises Raphael Quesnel. 

ESG in action 

This collaboration demonstrates how Nutriset and Kuehne+Nagel are tackling both environmental and societal challenges together.  

 By incorporating low-carbon solutions into their operations, they demonstrate how resilience and sustainability can work together to support humanitarian causes.  “This partnership is about more than logistics. It represents our shared commitment to building a future where sustainability and social responsibility work hand in hand,” concludes Raphael.

Looking ahead: a sustainable future 

Nutriset and Kuehne+Nagel are committed to continuing their collaboration, exploring new ways to further reduce their environmental footprint.

*this refers to the calculation coming from Nutriset CO2e emissions over a period of 5 months.

While red roses dominate the global scene, the ways people celebrate Valentine’s Day vary widely, reflecting cultural nuances and traditions. This celebration has taken on unique characteristics in China, blending global influences with local customs and creating a distinctive market for imported blooms.

China's modern love affair with roses
In China, love isn’t confined to just one day. Alongside the globally recognised February 14, China also celebrates the Qixi Festival “七夕” in August, often called Chinese Valentine’s Day. The Qixi Festival is a traditional celebration of the annual meeting of the cowherd and weaver girl in Chinese mythology, and it has become a significant day for expressing love.

However, the sight of imported red roses around February 14 has become increasingly common in modern cities. This trend is driven by the rising demand for premium floral products facilitated by professional trade and booming e-commerce platforms.

The allure of imported blooms
Imported roses from equatorial regions like Ecuador, Colombia, and Kenya dominate China’s market. These roses are prized for their long stems, large blooms, vibrant colours, and extended freshness. The phenomenon known as the ‘Matthew Effect’, where the popularity of a product or service grows exponentially as it gains recognition, amplifies its popularity. As these roses gain recognition, their demand grows, reinforcing their status as the preferred choice for romantic gestures.

Logistics: The hidden hero behind every bloom
Behind every fresh-cut rose lies a complex, meticulously coordinated supply chain. From the moment a rose is harvested in the fields of Ecuador or Kenya, it embarks on a journey that spans continents. Cold chain management ensures the roses are kept at optimal temperatures throughout transit. Seamless handling at airports, efficient quarantine process and customs clearance, and reliable last-mile delivery are critical to maintaining their freshness.

At Kuehne+Nagel, our expert perishables team ensures that every step of this journey is handled precisely. This year, our FreshChain solution, a comprehensive and efficient logistics system designed specifically for perishable goods, transports a quarter million delicate rose stems to China just in time for Valentine’s Day, preserving their beauty and freshness for the special moment. 

E-commerce: A game-changer in the China floral market
The rise of e-commerce in China has revolutionised the floral industry. Consumers now enjoy the convenience of browsing a diverse range of floral products online, with competitive pricing and efficient delivery. E-commerce platforms leverage data-driven insights to anticipate demand, allowing for pre-sales planning even before the roses are harvested. Robust last-mile logistics ensure timely delivery, making it easier than ever for consumers to surprise their loved ones with fresh roses.

Yunnan: China’s rising star in the floral market
While imported roses are highly sought after, China is also emerging as a significant player in the global floral market. In Southwest China, Yunnan Province hosts Asia’s largest fresh-cut flower trading market, with an annual trade volume of over 13 billion stems. In 2023, Yunnan exported fresh-cut flowers worth US$80 million to destinations across Asia, including Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Delivering love, one rose at a time
Valentine’s Day marks a special occasion dedicated to celebrating love, connection, and heartfelt moments. Whether it’s a single rose or a lavish bouquet, Kuehne+Nagel is proud to play a role in delivering these moments that matter, ensuring that every bloom arrives fresh and complete of life, ready to convey the deepest emotions.

A toss for prosperity: The iconic Yu Sheng
The Lunar New Year wouldn’t be complete in Singapore without the iconic “Yu Sheng” in Mandarin, “鱼生”, also known as “Lou Hei” in Cantonese. This vibrant salad is more than a dish—it symbolises good fortune and abundance, with each ingredient carrying an auspicious meaning. Central to Yu Sheng is the fish “鱼”, which sounds like “余” in Mandarin, representing surplus. Salmon is popular, whether smoked or fresh, while others may opt for abalone “鲍鱼”.

The preparation culminates in a lively ritual: participants use chopsticks to mix and lift the fish and vegetables into the air, all while reciting auspicious phrases. This act of Lo Hei not only signifies the hope for better fortune but also celebrates unity as loved ones come together in shared joy and optimism for the year ahead, a tradition deeply ingrained in Singapore’s Lunar New Year celebrations.

Delivering freshness for festive feasts
However, ensuring that premium-quality salmon graces dining tables in time for the festivities is no small feat. Behind the scenes, logistics partners like Kuehne+Nagel play an indispensable role in delivering the moments that matter most to us. Their expertise in cold chain logistics and commitment to quality ensure that the salmon arrives fresh and ready for the Lunar New Year celebrations.

From sea to table: The journey of fresh salmon
Fresh Faroese salmon begins its journey in the pristine waters of the Faroes Islands, where it is harvested, processed, and meticulously packed in temperature-controlled packaging to preserve its freshness. Packed in reefer containers, they leave the Faroe Islands via a vessel and begin their 48-hour journey to a UK port. From there, a swift four-hour drive in the reefer container to Heathrow Airport to Kuehne + Nagel’s Perishable Handling Centre.

Keeping it cool: The art of cold chain logistics
Upon arrival in Heathrow, Kuehne+Nagel's dedicated perishables team transfers the cargo to a cold room to ensure optimal conditions. Within hours, the salmon is prepared for its next leg: a flight to Singapore. By late evening, the prized cargo touches down at Singapore's airport, where Kuehne+Nagel’s team, committed to their work, are ready to act.

Through the night, refrigerated trucks transport the salmon to a cold room in Singapore, where it is carefully sorted and segregated. By early morning, the salmon is delivered to retail shops and high-end restaurants, ensuring it reaches consumers as fresh as possible. This seamless orchestration of cold chain logistics ensures that families across Singapore can enjoy the perfect Yu Sheng, savouring the tradition while ushering in prosperity.

Fortune flows through logistics
At Kuehne+Nagel, logistics isn’t just about moving goods; it’s about connecting people to the moments that matter most. By combining innovative technology, such as real-time temperature monitoring and GPS tracking, precise planning, and a deep understanding of perishables logistics, we make it possible for traditions like Lou Hei to thrive and bring joy to families year after year.

Reel in your traditions: How do you celebrate?
As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we're reminded of the power of connection—across countries, cultures, and generations.

How do you celebrate your Lunar New Year? Whether it’s through a hearty meal with loved ones, exchanging auspicious greetings, or honouring age-old traditions, every moment counts.

And at Kuehne+Nagel, we’re proud to help deliver those moments that truly matter.

In a bid to bring the freshest food to consumers across the UAE, Spinneys, a local supermarket chain operating nearly 73 stores across the emirates, has tasked Kuehne+Nagel with streamlining the journey of perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, and dairy products, from London Heathrow to Dubai. 

“We analysed the entire transportation process and asked ourselves how we could surpass the status quo,” explained Rory Michael Mccreadie, National Air Logistics Perishables Manager at Kuehne+Nagel UAE. “The goal was to eliminate repetitive, time-consuming tasks like unpacking and repacking products at various transition points.”

Every morning, Kuehne+Nagel’s team collects hundreds of boxes of fresh products from Spinneys’ warehouse in London. These boxes are placed on skids, which are then consolidated onto custom-built PMCs (flatbed airline pallets designed for aircraft holds) capable of carrying up to 2,500 kg of fresh products. This approach ensures efficient use of space while maintaining the freshness of the goods.

Once prepared, the PMCs, each carrying 6 skids, are loaded onto the aircraft and transported to Dubai. 

However, instead of the traditional approach, where PMCs are broken down at the airport upon arrival and their contents individually loaded onto trucks, the team implemented an innovative “through unit” system. The entire PMCs are cleared at the airport and transported intact to Spinneys’ warehouse. There, they are unloaded and unpacked, ready for distribution to 73 supermarkets across the UAE on the same day.

The introduction of the “through unit” substantially reduced the transit time. Instead of breaking the unit at the airport and loading separate boxes onto the trucks that are later again unpacked at the warehouse, the unit travels to the destination. The saved time enables Spinneys to process the orders and deliver fresh produce to the supermarkets.

"This end-to-end solution is a great example of how Kuehne+Nagel can optimise processes to deliver top quality to the end customer: the everyday consumer seeking fresher, healthier food products," added Rory Michael Mccreadie, National Air Logistics Perishables Manager at Kuehne+Nagel UAE.

Menino Carmo Luis, Warehouse Operations Manager at Spinneys, concluded: “Delivering the best quality products for our customers is at the heart of Spinneys’ ethos. Thanks to our partnership with Kuehne+Nagel, their expertise, and innovative solutions, we’ve shortened the supply chain by an astonishing four hours. This allows us to deliver fresh produce and stock shelves in time for evening shoppers, giving customers the freshness and quality they expect.”

Adding to this efficiency, the empty PMCs are returned to the airport for reuse, reducing waste and conserving resources.

As part of their strategy, Interface prioritises direct carbon reduction and storage over offsets. The company is actively exploring and investing in innovative R&D projects to avoid, reduce, and store more carbon throughout its entire operation, aiming to achieve its ambitious climate goals. They developed a process where floor tiles are collected, cleaned, and reused after years of use. “Recycling runs like a thread through the production process. “With our climate take back mission, we raise the bar even higher”, says Bas. “We are committed to creating more climate-positive impacts through our sustainable product portfolio, and the development of carbon-negative products.”

Interface did not just talk the talk; they walked it, with big strides which earned them numerous awards in the ESG category. They expect this commitment to sustainability also from their partners. “Kuehne+Nagel’s commitment to environmental responsibility is not a promise on paper, it's in their DNA”, says Bas.

Kuehne+Nagel emerges as the right partner

“You can't be sustainable on your own, it takes the entire supply chain. How do you ensure that this sustainable vision is reflected in the supply chain? Interface produces worldwide and delivers to customers in Europe, Asia and America. With so many carriers and links in the process, it is difficult to optimise and get full clarity on the environmental impact of your transport operations”, says Bas. So, the company launched a tender to find a solid support in this matter with a clear focus: sustainability first, service second and then cost. “The partner we looked for has to understand logistics and at the same time share our decarbonisation goals. This is how we chose Kuehne+Nagel.”

Gaining more insights

It soon proved to be the perfect match. The key to joint success? “During working sessions, our entire logistics scheme was mapped out, giving us insight into Kuehne+Nagel's order management and sea transport solutions. In turn, we were able to translate what we needed in it. This creates a collaboration in which everyone reaps the benefits”, says Bas. One of the biggest improvements was gaining insight. Thanks to advanced track-and-trace features, Interface can now see exactly where a shipment is, when it will arrive and if there are any delays. 
Bas: “We used to grope around in the dark. Now we use live data to act proactively towards our customers. The work has become much easier.”

A true partnership

Raymond Bokhoven, National Manager International Supply Chain at Kuehne+Nagel and the Sea Logistics team have been at the table in discussions with Interface since the beginning. How does he view this cooperation? “I think we have established a true partnership in which both parties can excel. In addition, there is simply a click, we put the customer first and trust each other. That also means we stay keen on each other and keep looking at areas for development and improvement.”

As Robert Witzl lowers the camera, his pride is evident: “Loading successful,” reports the Munich-based Business Development Manager in the field of project logistics. The cargo he is referring to, measuring 399 x 325 x 258 centimetres, is not excessively large compared to what Kuehne+Nagel’s project logistics usually handles, but it is very special: inside the container is ESO’s ELT “M5” mirror cell, which will be part of a gigantic observatory in western South America.

It is considered “the world’s biggest eye on the sky”: the European Southern Observatory’s Extremely Large Telescope, or ESO’s ELT, in the Atacama Desert in Chile. The details it can discern in the sky are 16 times smaller than those the Hubble Space Telescope can depict. Nearly 800 individual hexagonal mirrors will be installed to create the 39-metre diameter main mirror. The M5 cell will be used in this construction as a support mechanism for the world’s largest tip-tilt mirror: it ensures that the images collected by the ELT are stabilised and thus made analysable.

ESO, with headquarters in Garching near Munich, designs, builds and will in future operate the telescope. They have commissioned Kuehne+Nagel to transport the special cargo. The heavy transport, accompanied by escort vehicles, travels from the production plant in Spain through France to Germany. At the centre of the convoy: the trailer with the six-tonne mirror cell.

Project logistics is responsible for this challenge. It finds logistics solutions for everything that does not fit into the literal box. Boats, wind turbines - or even mirrors for telescopes.

“Projects like this require a high level of coordination in advance: all parties involved must coordinate and remain flexible. On the one hand, regulatory requirements must be met, and on the other, solutions must be found for the customer’s wishes,” says Robert Witzl. There are also plenty of details: “We check the access routes or measure the building structures for handling in the hall. For the unloading process, load diagrams and lifting heights must be considered.“

This cannot be done alone. “Project logistics is teamwork,” he says. Together with his colleague Tobias Bielang, Project Logistics Customer Excellence Team Leader, he planned the transport step by step - right down to the literal Plan B in case bad weather posed a particular challenge to the logistics.

Such a delivery is also not an everyday occurrence for ESO. The cargo is highly sensitive and, once installed in Chile, is associated with great hopes for science: “With the ELT, it will be possible, for example, to directly discover and observe Earth-like planets of other stars,” explains the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which is also involved in funding the telescope. In this way, it may be possible to find indications of water, an atmosphere, and even life-friendly conditions there.

“Projects like this always remind us of what a varied job we have. Of course, I am proud that Kuehne+Nagel is involved in making research on this scale possible.” The excitement, Robert Witzl continues, is even higher when the unloading begins and the box is finally opened on site at the customer’s premises.

“The M5 mirror cell is a crucial part of the ELT. Many years of research and development went into its construction. This makes it precious freight and its transport a critical undertaking. There was big excitement when the mirror cell reached us safe and sound. It was a great relief to know such a unique piece of precision engineering in experienced hands for the transport,” says Roberto Tamai, ESO’s ELT Programme Manager.

Leroy Ranglek (26) and Joseph Nickisch (26) were only in their early twenties when they came up with their idea for sustainable toilet paper made of 100% bamboo. Meanwhile, their rolls hang in many catering establishments, shops and offices. “We started Bamboi in our attic room, then relocated to an acquaintance's warehouse, to now professionalise further with Kuehne+Nagel”, says Leroy. “Because they are now our partner for supply, fulfilment and distribution, we can think ahead and accelerate”.  

The start

Leroy has always been passionate about making a positive impact on the planet while also creating a product that resonates with everyone and building a successful business. Drawing inspiration from his Thai heritage, he conceived the idea for Bamboi. “I convinced Joseph, whom I have known since high school, and has a business background. One business model later, our company was born”. 

Holding something special 

For the first year, Bamboi sold mainly to individuals, primarily through online marketplaces and was relaying on word for mouth. “After an article in de Volkskrant, predominent Dutch newspaper, we sold all our stock in one go instead of ten boxes a day. Then we thought: we have something special in our hands. We then invested heavily to develop our brand awareness”, says Joseph. Bamboi now sells mainly B2B, for example to facility and cleaning companies. 

Not a number 

This growth was also the reason Joseph and Leroy sought collaboration with Kuehne+Nagel. “We were storing our stock in a warehouse belonging to a friend's father”, says Leroy. “That was not sustainable. It was time for a more professional solution”. The two knew Kuehne+Nagel as a major player in logistics. “On the one hand, that gives trust: things are arranged well and quickly there. On the other hand, we expected it to make us feel like a number. But that didn't happen at all. We were surprised by the service and personal contact. For instance, our regular contact Paul Aerts said: have faith that your business will grow, we are here to support you. That gave us the trust to outsource both fulfilment and distribution and later on, sea freight for the supply”.  

Transparent about CO2 emissions 

There was another reason to choose Kuehne+Nagel. Joseph explains: “Sustainability is important to them as well. Thanks to the seaexplorer platform, we can optimise our supply by sea depending on CO2 emissions and see exactly how much our cargo emits. This allows us to be transparent towards our customers”.  The two say they are on the eve of a bamboo revolution. “Our mission is for bamboo products to become the standard. We therefore hope to conquer the global market. So, by working with an internationally operating partner like Kuehne+Nagel, we are opting for the long term”. 

Arnaud Ameline, Chief Operations Officer at Sézane and Djamel Aggoune, Director of Paris fashion campus at Kuehne+Nagel France, share how tailor-made services create a unique customer experience that elevates brands to new heights.

The role of experience in fashion logistics

“Fashion logistics must be as refined as the products themselves,” says Djamel. “It’s about creating an experience, which reflects the very essence of a brand.” Kuehne+Nagel is committed to offer tailor-made services meeting the most demanding expectations in this industry—from customisation to delicate details such as spraying perfume on each order, and premium services like embroidery or handwriting on packaging. In the high-end fashion market, presentation is paramount. The packaging, down to every ribbon or engraved tag, is part of the brand experience. Unboxing is a sacred moment . When final customers open a package, they expect the same level of detail and care they would experience in a boutique. 

Arnaud Ameline adds, “Our customers are looking for more than just a product—they want an emotional journey. The way we deliver this experience is crucial, and Kuehne+Nagel has become an integral part of ensuring we deliver our promise, from the warehouse to the final delivery.” 

Flexibility at the Paris fashion campus

Fashion trends change rapidly, and brands need to stay agile. Djamel explains, “One of our key strengths is flexibility. Our supply chain solutions and processes are crafted to evolve with shifting consumer demands.” The Paris fashion campus stands as a testament to Kuehne+Nagel’s commitment to the fashion industry. “This dedicated centre brings together high-value expertise to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” Djamel notes.

The campus is particularly suited for the rise of online sales in fashion, providing innovative logistics and transport solutions which allow to optimise costs, delivery times, and carbon emissions. For brands like Sézane, this centre of excellence is crucial for their logistics strategy. “With Kuehne+Nagel’s support, we can handle the ebb and flow of demand—whether during peak sales periods or for new product launches—without compromising on quality.”

The logistics operations are executed from the fulfilment centre of Mejorada del Campo (Madrid). This activity serves a network of 37 repair centres across Spain. Orders are packed in recycled materials such as cardboard, tape, and cushioning items, in alignment with Salvador Caetano’s sustainability objectives.

“One of our pillars is to have an efficient after-sales service which facilitates customer experience, avoiding long lead times thanks to the availability of parts in a location close to all our repair centres,” says Ignacio Román, General Manager of Salvador Caetano Auto. “This agreement with Kuehne+Nagel materialises our strategy, aiming at collaborating with the best partners to offer the best service.”

“We are thrilled to support an automotive industry leader as Salvador Caetano. Our extensive experience in spare part logistics supports the Group to deliver the best experience to their customers”, explains Alvaro Nebreda, Contract Logistics Director of Kuehne+Nagel Spain.

It was not a dreamy island life that called them to Sulawesi. Instead, they were driven by a deeper purpose—to deliver aid in remote areas where basic medical services were scarce. A study from 2019 revealed that West Sulawesi had only 12 doctors per 100,000 residents in that year, a stark contrast to Jakarta’s five times higher ratio.* Imagine what Sulawesi was like three decennia prior.  

Nowadays, the scene has changed. Indonesia has been transformed by social, cultural, and economic progress. Also, the healthcare landscape has evolved, and the couple's mission has taken root in their son. Christopher now leads a team of logistics experts specialising in the distribution of MedTech devices to the nation’s most remote corners. 

His work comes at a time when Indonesia is experiencing a ‘hospital boom'. In the course of 2024, the Indonesian Health Ministry has inaugurated one hospital after the other. This stems from the 2023 New Health Act, with which the Indonesian government has pledged to make healthcare more accessible.  

Older hospitals are being refurbished and new ones are popping up.  

In the early hours of a late September morning, a faint glow of dawn casts shadows over the skeletal frame of one such hospital. At its base is a group of people donning safety vests and helmets. This team, part of Christopher's logistics crew, is responsible for executing ‘white glove’ deliveries—carefully transporting high-value, delicate medical equipment to hospitals across the country. 

The foreman briefs the team once again about the day's plan. Each team member has undergone specialised training to handle the movement of sensitive equipment. Their expertise is not just a point of pride; it’s a requirement to boast the HealthChain certification, part of the Kuehne+Nagel network’s global quality standard, which ensures the trust and confidence of their clients. 

There’s a rectangular gap in the outer wall of the building’s second floor. It wasn’t left by accident—it’s part of the plan to deliver and install a CT scanner. 

"We transport the medical devices from Jakarta to the healthcare facility where they have to be delivered or installed," Christopher explains. "Depending on the type of MedTech we’re transporting, we often need to bring in heavy lifting equipment, like cranes and forklifts, to help move the devices into the building." 

Kuehne+Nagel’s HealthChain-certified team oversees these white glove deliveries to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across Indonesia. The challenge intensifies in Tier 3 cities, which are smaller and often more difficult to access. Roads in these areas may be unpaved, and because Indonesia is made up of many islands, the team sometimes has to rely on ferries or planes to ensure the equipment reaches its destination safely and on time.

"The biggest challenge with such multimodal deliveries is managing lead times," Christopher notes. "Schedule reliability can be unpredictable when you're dealing with multiple modes of transport and passing through small ports and airports." 

At the hospital, timing is everything. Each piece of the puzzle has to fall into place precisely when needed—any delays can be costly, not only for the hospital but for the patients waiting for care. 

Despite these challenges, Christopher’s team has mastered the art of coordination. They earned the trust of their clients by starting small, first handling spare parts and consumables from the customer’s warehouse to local distributors and retail channels. Over time, their responsibilities grew. Today, they’ve earned the trust to deliver even the largest and most complex medical devices with the utmost care. 

“I believe earning your customer’s trust comes down to demonstrating expertise—but it’s also about genuinely caring," Christopher reflects. "After successfully managing smaller hospitals, my father had the opportunity to build a hospital in Jakarta from the ground up. He worked closely with contractors, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device providers. From the medical device companies, he expected not just top-tier product quality and reliable service contracts, but also a fixed delivery date so everything could be coordinated seamlessly with all stakeholders. And, of course, the installation had to be flawless, without any damage to the equipment or hospital property." 

"These lessons have shaped what we offer to our MedTech customers today," Christopher adds. "We focus on delivering the highest quality services, ensuring reliable timelines, and providing careful, damage-free installations—so that they, in turn, can deliver the best possible outcomes for their own customers." 

*Source

‘Over the last two decades, Ireland has established itself as a global leader in healthcare and has had considerable success in attracting multinational companies to establish manufacturing operations. Kuehne+Nagel is pleased to be able to contribute by investing in logistics infrastructure to enable the continued growth of this sector,” explains Pamela Quinn, Managing Director for UK and Ireland at Kuehne+Nagel. 

Kuehne+Nagel’s most recent investment includes an end-to-end next generation pharma licensed facility that offers logistics solutions for the entire product life cycle. The facility has capacity to store over 34,000 pallets and has a dedicated area focused on pre-conditioned temperature-controlled packing for critical healthcare transport. Overall in the last 3 years, Kuehne+Nagel Ireland has expanded its healthcare logistics footprint to over 60,000 pallet positions within its healthcare logistics campus in Dublin (340,000 square feet) and has increased its staff numbers in the last 10 years from 200 to over 540 logistics experts.  

“As we look to the future, it is clear that the success of advanced therapies like cell and gene treatments will not only depend on scientific breakthroughs, but also on our ability to manage complex logistical demands. It will require robust coordination between multiple stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, healthcare facilities, regulators, and logistis providers,” says Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary. “We are delighted that Kuehe+Nagel are continuing to invest in world class logistics facilities and people throughout Ireland to support its healthcare customers.” 

Innovation at the heart of what we do

How can we - based on the needs we see among our customers - continue to innovate and provide even more security in, for example, car parks and warehouses? James and his team deal with that question every day. “About twenty-five years ago, I was marketing manager for a construction company. There I discovered that in large industrial environments, there was a great need for column protection. So, we came up with our first product: a bright yellow column protector, which is energy-absorbing. Then we thought: can we also make a variant for pallet protection? Like that, we continued to innovate. Always based on the customer's needs and the idea of finding simple solutions.”

Thinking along

After working with a transport company for a few years in Europe, Sentry started looking for a new partner for fulfillment and transport. They found that in Kuehne+Nagel. “What I like about Kuehne+Nagel is that they are willing to think along with us. We work from the United States, there is a time difference, and despite that time challenge we like to keep a grip by means of reports. We had good conversations about that. There are plenty of - especially large - companies that say: this is how we do it and not otherwise. But at Kuehne+Nagel, they really listen to you and see how they can help you. That personal touch appeals enormously.” Sentry has since built up a stable market share in Europe, with deliveries in Germany and France, among others. And steps are now being taken towards Eastern Europe. To best serve all of these customers, partners in Europe are also active to help Sentry in areas such as marketing and customer contact.

Same values

According to James, Sentry and Kuehne+Nagel share the same values: “If we agree something with a customer, we want it to be there on time. Timing is important to us and it is important to Kuehne+Nagel as well. We also share a high sense of responsibility. We think efficient and sustainable working is important. If you share the same values as collaborating companies, then you can build a long-term partnership.” What the Sentry owner also appreciates is that, as a relatively small customer, they are treated seriously. “To be fair, we found the switch to Kuehne+Nagel quite exciting, but the great thing is that the personal touch has remained. Kuehne+Nagel is a big party, but they pay attention to all their customers. We can always ask questions, they think along with us and they are well organised”.

Future

How does James see the future? “We have more competition in Europe than in the US. In the beginning, we were not conspicuous enough in the European market; we have caught up with that now, with good partners there. We can count on Kuehne+Nagel and they can count on us. I am confident that we will get a bigger share of the European market.”

Many companies, including those from the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, decide to locate their hubs in Dubai. From there, they can easily prepare the products for their outbound or inbound journey into the UAE, depending on the changing inventory levels.

Aggregation License

"All pharmaceutical products and medical supplies must be recorded and registered with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) before entering the United Arab Emirates' market to detect counterfeit and falsified drugs and track and trace illegal supplies of healthcare products," said Safa Al Khayat, Pharmacist in Charge at Kuehne+Nagel.

Only a few companies in the UAE, including Kuehne+Nagel, have been certified by MOHAP to provide aggregated services for medical supplies.

Cutting Edge Technology

The registration process includes scanning the barcode of each unit to encode the data consisting of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), batch or lot number, expiry date, and serial number, and recording the data at Tatmeen, a governmental platform. If done manually, the process can be time-consuming and prone to human errors, especially when large quantities of products are to be released to the market at short notice.

Recognizing the need for a more efficient and reliable system, Kuehne+Nagel introduced multiple automated aggregation stations, an innovative technology allowing simultaneous scanning of dozens of units layered on a scanning tray. The stations, able to read and record about 75,000 barcodes daily each, offer a significant improvement over the traditional handheld scanner.

"Compared to the traditional scanning with a handheld scanner, our automated solution delivers efficiency and reliability, which is a critical feature for our customers," added Safa Al Khayat. "We can respond to the market's requirements immediately, with full transparency for all parties involved in the supply chain: customer, Ministry of Health and Prevention, distributor, and the final consumer, the patient."

Experience and Expertise

The Aggregation License obtained by Kuehne+Nagel in the UAE complements the similar certification in Bahrain, received three years ago.

"We gained extensive experience supporting our healthcare customers in Bahrain, and we can apply our expertise when fulfilling the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention requirements," added Safa Al Kahyat.

Strategic Importance of the Dubai Warehouse

In Dubai, Kuehne+Nagel operates a 50,000 sqm warehouse in Dubai Logistics City, close to Jebel Ali Seaport and Dubai International Airport. 

Over 30,000 sqm of warehousing space, equal to 50,000 pallet positions, are dedicated to pharmaceuticals. The cold room (temperature range: 2-8°C) and ambient chambers (temperature range: 15-25°C) with additional security are used solely for temperature-sensitive healthcare-related cargo.

Customers can benefit from a range of value-added services, such as co-packing, kitting, labeling, stamping, and distribution services to domestic and international locations. Additionally, Kuehne+Nagel provides customs-related services and can be nominated as IOR (Importer of Record) or EOR (Exporter of Record) to ease import and export procedures.

"Our healthcare customers can enjoy complete solutions from the basics of storage, handling, and last mile distribution to a full range of value-added services leveraging Kuehne+Nagel's global healthcare supply chain know-how," said Lee I'Ons, GCC+ Cluster Managing Director at Kuehne+Nagel. "At the forefront of our approach in healthcare is that at the end of every supply chain is a patient."

Melitta, an international group specialising in coffee preparation, has chosen Kuehne+Nagel as its road transport partner, particularly for its Book and Claim offer. Kuehne+Nagel provides groupage and freight forwarding services throughout France to deliver Melitta products. The Road Logistics teams connect the storage and order preparation platform in Chézy-sur-Marne with major food retailers. 

Why Kuehne+Nagel? 

"At Melitta, sustainability is a central pillar of our strategy. We work tirelessly to reduce our carbon footprint at every stage of our distribution chain. France contributes significantly to the group’s objectives with a reduction of over 50% in its emissions," says Etienne Jollois. 

The partnership with Kuehne+Nagel will further reduce emissions. Kuehne+Nagel's Road Logistics team has implemented a customised Book and Claim offer, which is aligned with Melitta's goals. By choosing Kuehne+Nagel as a transport partner, Melitta is committed to actively contributing to its environmental objectives. 

"We were looking for a partner capable of supporting us in our transition," shares Etienne Jollois. We chose Kuehne+Nagel for its reputation for operational excellence and its commitment to sustainability. Their approach aligns with our values and ensures that we are moving in the right direction," shares Etienne Jollois. 

What is Book and Claim? 

Book and Claim is a chain-of-custody model. It means that the attributes of a product or service, like its sustainability benefits, can be uncoupled from that product or service and transferred through an accounting methodology.  

In a logistics context, it enables companies to “claim” the emission reductions of LETS* (Low Emission Transport Services) when it is not possible or efficient to physically move their goods through these means (for example, where low-emission fuel is not available, grid power is insufficient to charge an electric truck, etc.). This works because emissions have no borders, and global warming is only concerned with the absolute quantity of CO₂e, not with who physically produced it. The key principle here is that it’s possible to clearly define and differentiate between the entity generating the emission reduction and the entity claiming that reduction.  

Advantages of Book and Claim  

• The solution is very simple to implement: it involves no changes for the teams. 
• Calculation of HVO Equivalents: It is sufficient to calculate the number of kilometers travelled and find the equivalent in Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). 
• Investing in a sustainable future: the customer helps to scale low-emission transport services. 

"I firmly believe that to transform our industry and move towards more sustainable distribution, it is essential to invest in the transition," concludes Etienne Jollois. 

The collaboration between Melitta and Kuehne+Nagel for the Book and Claim solution is part of a rigorous sustainable development strategy, with clear objectives and a strong commitment to reducing CO₂e. 

*Low-emission transport services (LETS) is an umbrella term that captures transport solutions that reduce emissions compared to those that burn “traditional” fossil fuels. Examples of LETS include biofuels or electric vehicles. 

To support the increasing demand for healthcare logistics, Kuehne+Nagel is continuously enhancing its solutions for healthcare customers. Core in this offering is superior customer experience while safeguarding highest quality standards to ensure that every service enhances patient care and supply chain efficiency. 

“Our customers trust us to safeguard the security of their high-value, time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products throughout the supply chain,” said Eduardo Razuck, Head of Contract Logistics, Americas, Kuehne+Nagel. “With service offerings that are healthcare GxP compliant and ISO 9001 certified, Kuehne+Nagel leverages advanced supply chain innovations and incorporates valuable customer feedback to meet the precise needs of our healthcare customers.” 

In North America, Kuehne+Nagel has been strategically expanding its footprint to serve customers in the pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other healthcare consumer product markets. 

“After listening carefully to our customers and recognizing the importance of creating resilient logistics solutions, we are expanding our contract logistics healthcare network to better meet our customers’ needs across North America. We have the expertise and network to help healthcare companies address the existing challenges posed by drug production, distribution, and supply chain management -- ensuring timely and safe delivery of healthcare products while maintaining compliance with regulations and quality standards,” said Razuck.

Highlights of recent and soon-to-be open sites, include: 

• Conversion of a 160,000 sq. ft. site into multi-client healthcare fulfillment center in Plainfield, Indiana, opened in 2023. 
• New, 400,000 sq. ft. multi-client healthcare focused fulfillment center at Dallas/Fort-Worth Airport in Texas, opened in 2023. 
• Conversion of 350,000 sq. ft to pharmaceutical grade, temperature control space of an existing 900,000 sq. ft multi-client fulfillment center, in Southaven, Mississippi; to be completed by Q4, 2024. 
• The development of a new, dedicated 130,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center for a healthcare customer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; to be completed late-2025. 
• The takeover of an existing, 250,000 sq. ft. fulfillment facility near Toronto, Ontario, Canada for a medical device company; site went live May 2024, making this the tenth healthcare site in Canada. 
• Conversion of 140,000 sq. ft. into a pharmaceutical-grade space near Mexico City at our Master Distribution Center, including ISO Class 9 room and automation for medical device and pharmaceutical distribution. 
   

“The Contract Logistics team in North America is fully equipped and prepared to support future customers navigate the complex needs of healthcare logistics and we will continue to invest and expand our network to meet the growing healthcare market needs in this region,” added Razuck. “The expansion of our healthcare network represents an important milestone for the business and reinforces the company’s Roadmap 2026 ambitions to further develop solutions for the healthcare market.” 

In 2012, the LEGO Group and Kuehne+Nagel opened an e-commerce platform and warehouse management system, focused on online sales via LEGO.com, in our country. Geel was chosen as the location at the time. To capitalise on long-term growth in Europe, it was time for the next step in the partnership. The distribution centre is the second in the company’s European distribution network, joining an existing centre in Jirny, Czech Republic 

The investment is also part of a broader capacity expansion strategy globally for the LEGO Group. The LEGO Group has also invested more than US $1B in two new state-of-the-art factories in Binh Duong, Vietnam and Virginia, U.S., on track to open in 2025 and 2027 respectively. 

‘In 2023, we started the construction of this brand new distribution centre. It is a great addition to the current location in Geel. We expect to process 32,000 orders a year here for European customers,’ says Dave De Landtsheer, Operations Director Benelux of the LEGO Group. 

‘Today we celebrate the next step in a partnership that has sustained for more than 12 years. Together with the LEGO Group, we carry values such as innovation, infinite possibilities of imagination and creation, constant attention to the customer and the planet we live on. We are especially proud as from today we complete our offer with all our products (sea, air, road, B2C and B2B fulfilment centres) to ensure an exceptional online and in-store experience,’ said Gianfranco Sgro, Executive Vice President of Contract Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel. 

Shorter delivery times & more sustainable transport 

A lot of elements were considered when deciding on the location, including the logistical possibilities. The choice of Tessenderlo allows the LEGO Group to use the European railway network. The LEGO sets will be delivered by train from the LEGO factories in Nyíregyháza, Hungary and Kladno, Czech Republic. A total of 2,000 different types of LEGO sets will be stored at the location in Tessenderlo from where 5,500 trucks depart annually. 

The opening of the distribution centre in Tessenderlo ensures that B2B customers, as well as the company's own LEGO Brand Retail shops, will receive their deliveries faster with a reduction in delivery times by one to two working days. 

The distribution centre supports the sustainability ambitions of the LEGO Group to reduce global CO2 emissions by 37% by 2032. By organising its logistics in this way, the LEGO Group will reduce total annual CO2 emissions by 2,000 tonnes. The building was built according to the environmental standards of BREEAM Excellent, a certification system that measures the sustainability performance of buildings. The wind turbine on the site generates renewable energy and the buildings are heated via geothermal energy. 

For over 32 years, since its inception in 1992, Kuehne+Nagel has been supporting Angola's development and significantly growing export industry from its headquarters in central Luanda and five other locations across the country. 

Angola's treasure

"Our team of experts specialises in tailored services and a holistic approach to project logistics, which our customers require," explains Cyril Bourguignon, National Manager at Kuehne+Nagel Angola.

Tailored services often include unconventional approach, and so Kuehne+Nagel offers administrative support for the embarkation and disembarkation of vessel and rig personnel – a task that requires around the clock care and high-level organisation, as numbers reach around 6,000 personnel per month. But that's not all. Thousands of healthy lunches are supplied to the personnel during the port operations to avoid delays and disruptions and provide an efficient movement of people and goods.  

Unlocked potential

A highly skilled team of professionals operates from six locations: Soyo, Lobito, Namibe, Cabinda, St. Clara, and headquarters in Luanda. 

"Angola is the second largest Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country in both total area and population and has a rich trade history. Our team works tirelessly to provide best-in-class services and contribute to the country's development," adds Cyril Bourguignon.

Ever since Kuehne+Nagel started its operations in the country, the company has been dedicated to handling healthcare products, pharmaceuticals, and humanitarian aid to those in need. 

Recently, the company provided complex logistics solutions for transporting building materials and medical equipment to support the construction of two hospitals in Luanda, the Hospital Geral de Viana and the Hospital Geral de Cacuaco. Once fully operational, each hospital will have operating rooms, inpatient wards, diagnostics centers, emergency services, and specialised clinics with over 350 beds each.

Every year, the team participates in beach cleaning activity, often in partnership with the largest customers, to spread environmental protection awareness and save Angola's pristine coastline for future generations. 

The future

Developing infrastructure and easing regulations and laws aligned with international business standards facilitate intra-Angola and global trade. Last year, Angola opened the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN), which will, when completed, serve 15 million passengers and handle up to 440,000 tons of cargo annually. It also introduced visa-free entry for nationals from over 97 countries, opening its doors to mass tourism.

Agriculture could be the next go-to industry thanks to fertile soil, a mild climate with alternating rainy and dry seasons, and considerable water resources. 

"The non-oil sectors, such as agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, are not just in our focus area; they are the future of Angola's economy. It is especially exciting when considering the global network and expertise of Kuehne+Nagel," concludes Cyril Bourguignon.

The result? A sudden spike in bicycle orders, causing shortages across the market. Yet, Riese & Müller kept the wheels turning during the lockdown, supplying e-bikes to stores across Europe with Kuehne+Nagel as their logistics partner. 

How? Well, according to Tobias Kuhn, Key Account Manager at Kuehne+Nagel, it's all about their approach. "They manufacture their e-bikes similarly to the automotive industry: just in time. And they also configure each bike individually," he explains, beaming with pride about working closely with this prestigious electric bicycle brand. 

Bicycle dealers often have to order their stock of configured two-wheelers a year ahead of time. Unlike most bicycle manufacturers, however, Riese & Müller can deliver in short timelines. The premium e-bike manufacturer configures and assembles the bikes individually at their campus in Mühltal near Darmstadt, Germany, as soon as an order is received.

Founded in 1993 by Markus Riese and Heiko Müller, the owner-managed company now employs almost 900 people at its premises and sells its products worldwide through an exclusive dealer network. The company is synonymous with a sustainable lifestyle, user-focused product development and innovative E-Bike technologies.

With sufficient components in stock, they dodged issues engendered by the pandemic like production stoppages in Asia and shipping container constraints.  

 Tobias describes this success as one of several milestones in the partnerships between the two companies. 

A long-standing partnership 

When Riese & Müller was growing with double digits, the surging need for components and customer deliveries required nimble supply chain planning in sea, air and road freight.  Both companies managed to keep up thanks to close communication. 

In the early 2020s, Kuehne+Nagel joined Riese & Müller in their quest to conquer new markets, orchestrating the inaugural shipments to North America and Australia.  

Europe, however, remains the biggest market.  Each day, the team orchestrates the movement of 6 to 12 full trucks, consolidating cargo destined for every corner of Europe. 

Going electric 

Amidst this bustling activity, the latest partnership milestone shines brightly: the introduction of an electric truck exclusively dedicated to serving Riese & Müller.  

Sustainability has long been a focal point in the ongoing discussions between these two partners, and the introduction of the electric truck marks a significant milestone in their shared commitment. 

The truck is set to cover approximately 300 kilometers daily, shuttling between Riese & Müller's manufacturing hub in Mühltal and Kuehne+Nagel's warehouse in Mainz, where the bicycles are prepared for distribution to stores.  

It's important to acknowledge that this is no small feat. Electric trucks still face numerous challenges, including limited driving range, payload restrictions, and a lack of charging infrastructure. However, Kuehne+Nagel remains dedicated to finding solutions for their customers.

“We are always delighted when customers come to us and ask to put electric trucks on the road together with them. Today it is the most impactful way to reduce transport emissions from road freight,” Tobias Jerschke, Managing Director at Kuehne+Nagel Germany, said.  

“It requires our team to look at those parts of that customer’s operations where it is feasible and efficient, like the leg between Darmstadt and Mainz. Sometimes we need to install additional charging stations like we did recently in Mainz. With this investment, Riese & Müller and Kuehne+Nagel are sending a strong signal: that we take decarbonisation seriously.” 

Sebastian Leschinger, Head of Supply Chain at Riese & Müller, said: “We have a long and trusting partnership with Kuehne+Nagel and are therefore delighted that we are taking the next step towards sustainable logistics together.  

With the new electric truck, which will be used exclusively for all deliveries from our site to the distribution center, we are taking another important step towards becoming the most sustainable company in the e-bike industry.”

Globally, Kuehne+Nagel partners with tens of thousands of road carriers. From sizeable companies managing thousands of trucks, to small family-owned businesses boasting a single vehicle – and everything in between. Regardless of size, Kuehne+Nagel started granting these indispensable partners access to a web platform that digitises cooperation. Today, about a year after the rollout started, the Road Carrier Solution is globally used.

Benoit Therond, who leads the platform development and deployment, said: “Our goal was to create a digital solution that would enhance collaboration between Kuehne+Nagel and our road carrier partners, truly adding value to them in their day-to-day operations while increasing operational efficiency for everyone. In the design phase, we spoke with many carriers and drivers to understand their needs. By working backwards from that, we created a tool that they really appreciate. We continually seek for feedback to enhance the Road Carrier Solution and leverage our carrier network to make us stronger together.”

AI-enabled features to automate manual workflows

The Road Carrier Solution digitises the data and communication that is exchanged between Kuehne+Nagel, our carriers and truck drivers to transport a road shipment from point A to point B. Information about the pickup, delivery and cargo are sent from Kuehne+Nagel’s Transport Management System to the platform. From there, the carrier can assign it to a driver, who receives the info by email or SMS. By phone, drivers can update the delivery status and upload a picture of the Proof of Delivery (or the recipient can sign-on-glass, like you would do for a home delivery on a tablet of the mail man). With real-time visibility and geofencing, automated milestone updates of the trip can be shared without having to disturb the driver during their journey.

“The platform is web-based, which means that users don’t have to install yet another app. This is particularly convenient for truck drivers, who can simply send and receive data through a secure URL,” Benoit explains.

Those are just the basics, though. Benoit’s team is further automating manual workflows with Artificial Intelligence (AI). For example, AI-enabled document recognition rejects a picture of the Proof of Delivery if it is not readable or valid – prompting a new upload. Using Natural Language Processing, also a type of AI, the platform analyses the sentiment of driver feedback and notifies Kuehne+Nagel’s operational teams in case the comment may warrant intervention.

“Because the app is cloud-native, our team can experiment at low cost, release new feature fast and scale the solution easily,” says Benoit. As we speak, the team is already working on more features, such as mapping out safe rest stops for truck drivers when they open their itinerary in the platform.

Innovating on behalf of carriers

Continuously improving how we work with carriers is key to retaining those indispensable partners.  The Road Carrier Solution is just one way to do that. However, logistics will always remain a people business, and personal interactions are the stickiest of glues to keep partnerships strong. That’s why conversations with carriers were the starting point of the web platform’s development and why no technology should try to eliminate personal touch points.  

“The team has done a wonderful job of working backward from user needs, and we will continue to innovate on their behalf as we onboard more carriers. Digitising the cooperation with our partners by leveraging the latest technologies like AI is a key part of our Digital Ecosystem cornerstone. On our journey to become the most trusted supply chain partner supporting a sustainable future, we are particularly proud when a solution we built in-house generates such positive feedback and improves the Kuehne+Nagel Experience,” said Alireza Nemati, Global Head of Innovation for Road Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel.

Currently, the Road Carrier Solution is in place in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Other regions will follow in 2024. Learn more about the solution here.

Hamdi is a Zambia-raised and Dubai-based businesswoman with a clear vision: to establish a new food brand in Africa. 

She has the vision. She has the market knowledge. But the nitty gritty details of the complex cross-border logistics had been a roadblock for Hamdi’s ability to focus on growth. Until she chose Kuehne+Nagel as a logistics partner.
 

Cooking up a vision: Nana’s

1.7mm is the preferred spaghetti noodle circumference in Zambia. Kenyans tend to go for 1.3mm, while Somalians enjoy their noodles one millimeter thinner. With an array of preferences, one thing is certain: East-Africans are united in their love for pasta. The average Somalian family eats it five days per week.

Market insights like this put Hamdi’s entrepreneurial brain to thinking: can I build my own pasta brand from scratch? “I entertained the idea for a long while, until I thought: ‘It is easy to think. Let’s act’,” Hamdi says.

Food brands with women names work well in Africa, conveying a nostalgic coziness of grandma’s home cooked meals. Nana’s it would be.

Zambia, the country where she grew up, seemed the perfect market to test her idea. She found a pasta supplier in Egypt and spent a week calculating the budget, including shipping a container to Zambia. In parallel, she used her network in Zambia to find buyers.

This turned out to be a relatively expensive experiment for a one-woman show. She recruited investors amongst family and friends. Many believed in her idea, and shortly afterwards, her first container was on its way.

And with it, the logistic challenges started.

Hamdi puts her trust in a logistics partner

“Turns out that ignorance is expensive,” Hamdi says.

It was this moment she began to realise how complex logistics is. Several challenges occurred, like a container stuck in transit due to missing customs documentation. Mishaps that can cost a fortune for a small business.  

With her vision for Nana’s to be on the shelves of supermarkets in all African countries, the logistics of it all would get complicated. A business confidant told her to reach out to Kuehne+Nagel, so that she could focus on expanding to new markets. She called the office in Dubai. Soon she was in touch with Moses from Kuehne+Nagel Tanzania.

Hamdi: “I was new to logistics in Africa. I had never considered that each country has different regulations which makes border crossings a complex undertaking.”

Today, Moses and his team handle Hamdi’s cross-border road logistics flows. In Africa, roads are often the only way to supply landlocked countries with everything they might need, including Nana’s. The harbours in Tanzania and Kenya serve as the entry points. From there, Kuehne+Nagel in Africa manages trucking routes with delivery points in Uganda, Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda and Burundi. They also take care of customs clearance.

For the moment, Nana’s is being delivered to several hubs in Zambia and Congo; cities where Nana’s already can be found on store shelves in select grocery shops. But another ten containers are to arrive at the Dar-Es-Salaam port shortly, while Hamdi is looking for buyers in other African countries.

Hamdi: “What’s great is that I don’t have to worry about logistics anymore. Every day I receive an update about the whereabouts of my goods until they have arrived at their destination. When there is a problem, the Kuehne+Nagel team is on top of it to solve it. The best thing is that I need just one logistics partner because of Kuehne+Nagel’s network in Africa, rather than having to find different suppliers for each country.”

Hamdi has built her business on such trusted relationships. “I tend to select my suppliers based on communication and connections. This is especially relevant when you are not so knowledgeable yourself in a certain field. Those suppliers who then give you more than just an invoice, are the business partners you stick with. The ones who want your business to succeed and think along about the best ways to reach my goals.”

What’s up next for Nana’s

Hamdi closes her laptop in her Dubai apartment. 

When asked if she can already envision thousands of Iftar tables serving Nana’s to families in Africa, she gets a bit emotional. “I haven’t dared to dream that big yet. I have been too caught up in the daily work. But now that you mention it… let’s go for it.”

And Kuehne+Nagel’s team is happy to continue to support Hamdi’s growth story in Africa.

Indeed, forklifts play a crucial role on fair grounds and log many kilometres to get booths and provisions on the right spot ( also at trade fairs that are less sizable than Bauma, which ranks among the largest exhibitions in Europe). And  while their electric versions are increasingly common, there are still many non-electric forklifts which for operational reasons, or simply because they haven't reached their end of life yet, circulate in the fair ground traffic.

To drive sustainable logistics practices in the exhibition logistics industry, Kuehne+Nagel is pioneering an initiative at five exhibition centres in Germany where the company is the official logistics partner. Its purpose is to reduce emissions from forklifts.

In Hamburg, Hannover, Düsseldorf, Munich and Nuremberg, the entire forklift fleet will be fueled with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as of March 1st, completely replacing diesel. HVO, which is derived from renewable resources, is a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels with the potential to reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel. The initiative complements the energy savings from a digital planning tool that has been in place for a while to optimise the usage of forklifts and minimise empty runs.

Denis Gerlach, National Expo and Event Logistics Manager Germany, said: "Kuehne+Nagel's adoption of HVO100 at German trade fair venues underscores the company's commitment to environmental responsibility. By integrating this renewable fuel into our operations, Kuehne+Nagel is not only reducing carbon emissions but also setting a commendable example for the exhibition logistics industry. This initiative also aligns with Germany's push towards cleaner energy solutions." 

This initiative is a concrete step in line with our Roadmap 2026’s commitment to offering innovative and sustainable logistics solutions. 

Astonishing fact: in 2022, customs professionals across Europe handled around 957 million declarations.* A new record!

Brexit might be the most infamous, modern-day culprit of increasing complexity in customs. Yet, the ‘new’ border is by far not the only contributor as the playbook of global trade comes with more and more rules. In some cases (like with Free Trade Agreements) companies can use those to their advantage, while in other cases they lead to financial and administrative burdens. 

In either case businesses should be vigilant about what’s moving in customs, says Camilla Poulsen, European Business Development Manager Customs at Kuehne+Nagel. She believes that customs will gain even more strategic importance in the future. Gone are the days that customs was a purely operational formality. 

For International Customs Day, we spoke with her to get insights in customs trends that keep customs professionals and businesses on their toes. 

Trend 1: multinationals centralise their customs departments

This trend is another proof point that customs is moving out of the ‘operational’ bucket, straight into the ‘strategic’ one. It mainly pertains to big multinationals and conglomerates. They have many import and export markets and a broad product portfolio, which means they need to consider many different customs and trade regulations.  

Camilla: “Take the example of a retailer exporting from Europe to the UK. Chicken nuggets are products of animal origin which requires a specific health certificate. A bottle of Chianti classifies as alcohol which demands an entirely different customs procedure (with excise duties). This is the reality if you want to fill your supermarket shelves in different countries with a variety of products.” 

If customs operations are fragmented, an already complex challenge becomes even more difficult. “One multinational we helped get Brexit-ready, received different SOPs from each of its 15+ logistics partners. Imagine that: Brexit times fifteen. Something  else we see is businesses overspending on duties or facing supply chain risks because of improper data exchange in a fragmented landscape,” Camilla explains.   

There are many ways to streamline customs procedures, like automating repetitive tasks, using digital tools… but the starting point is centralising the customs governance to ensure an appropriate level of control around the operations. Take ‘preferential origin’ as an example. Companies can really benefit from Free Trade Agreements and enjoy tariff exemptions, and do so consistently. Someone within the company needs to keep an oversight to make sure that such FTAs are taken into account,” says Camilla. 

A centralised approach also makes it easier to capture useful data. That brings us to the second trend. 

Trend 2: Capturing data gains importance as the digital era of customs draws closer 

Have you heard of the EU Customs Reform? This EU proposal from May 17, 2023, is all about digitising customs to cut down on cumbersome customs procedures through electronic data exchange and artificial intelligence. The EU Commission’s website states: “A new EU Customs Authority will oversee an EU Customs Data Hub which will act as the engine of the new system. Over time, the Data Hub will replace the existing customs IT infrastructure in EU Member States, saving them up to €2 billion a year in operating costs.” 

For companies, this means that they need to gear up on their ability to submit customs data electronically. Those with e-commerce shipments can already test the envisioned benefits of the system as of 2028. Other importers would be able to test as of 2032. Still a while from now, you probably think. According to Camilla, though, the time is now to prepare for this digital customs era. 

Camilla: “Many companies still handle their customs quite manually. Today, the majority of our customers send their declaration requests by email. Now is the time for businesses to start building their digital customs management blueprint. Anything business can do right now in this space, will undoubtedly create an advantage for them on the long-term.  

That data capturing is becoming more and more important, is also felt on the sustainability and ESG front. 

Trend 3: ESG-driven customs adds another data layer to supply chains 

A hot topic in 2023 is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in Europe which will oblige EU-based companies to declare the carbon emissions embedded in the manufacturing of the goods they import. It triggered a lot of questions from our customers, some of which are answered here. In December, the UK followed suit with the announcement that they will also adopt a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, albeit with differing scopes and rules. 

Next to carbon-reducing customs initiatives, there is also a movement to prevent forced labour. This is something that the US already has in place with its Forced Labor Prevention Act. It prohibits goods from being imported into the United States unless the importer can prove that the goods were not produced with forced labour.  The EU Commission has now made a similar proposal.   

Camilla: “While those are positive developments, they put further pressure on companies’ abilities to report on their activities. The requirement to control suppliers means they need to capture yet another layer of data from their supply chains. Companies should continue to monitor developments in this area and build robust processes to ensure that potential human rights (including forced labour) and environmental risks in their supply chains are identified and addressed.” 

In addition to these transformative changes, there are also shorter-term updates to the rulebook of customs and trade that must be followed, as explained in Trend 4.  

Trend 4: Sanctions from geopolitics create a minefield to navigate 

The EU has imposed massive and unprecedented sanctions against Russia in response to the war against Ukraine. In addition, the EU has adopted restrictive measures to curb trade with Iran as part of an integrated policy approach to persuade Iran to comply with its international obligations. Other countries targeted with trade sanctions include Myanmar and Belarus. 

Camilla: “The list of sanctions develops fast. There is a strong emphasis on where goods are sourced, and one must be able to deliver proof of their origins. Traders are no longer ‘allowed’ to trade in the way they were used to – they need to be on top of these developments to ensure compliance.” 

Be strategic about your customs approach 

Every day, Kuehne+Nagel’s customs professionals help businesses, small and large, navigate the ever-evolving customs landscape. Don’t hesitate to reach out via our website.

*Source: https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/annual-reports/annual-report-2022_2023.pdf

The images used in this article are generated with Artificial Intelligence. 

Over the past seven years, Kuehne+Nagel has grown its share of healthcare logistics in Singapore significantly, solidifying its position as a leader in the sector in the country for international air, sea, road and warehousing & distribution services. In line with its commitment to meeting its customers’ evolving supply chain needs in the region, Kuehne+Nagel Singapore is expanding its healthcare fulfilment space and capabilities.

Spanning over 48,000 sqm, Kuehne+Nagel’s Singapore Logistics Hub offers world-class connectivity in the pharmaceutical and health industries. As part of its ambitious expansion plans, the company will increase its healthcare fulfilment space by 12,000 sqm. The strategic plan also includes enhancing its current infrastructure to fulfil the demands of today's and tomorrow's healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution by land, sea, and air, as well as advanced logistical and warehousing management. This includes value-added services such as a wide range of controlled temperature storage (15-25°C, 2-8°C, -20°C) within the same facility, bundling, sterilisation protocols, and adapting to sudden changes in volume at the last mile delivery stage. 

These investments favourably impact on the entire Southeast Asia region, but a special emphasis will be placed on neighbouring Malaysia. The Singapore team will implement and monitor the successful model created by Kuehne+Nagel in Singapore.

“The local distribution network we have built in Singapore allows us to attend to emergencies in hospitals and clinics in under two hours, allowing deliveries to the operating theatre just before a procedure,” says Christophe Vandrome, Kuehne+Nagel's Contract Logistics Director for Singapore and Malaysia. “Now it's time to bring Malaysia into the fold with the knowledge, skills and experience our expert team has developed.”

“In Singapore, we have established leadership through operational excellence, specialised business practices, and customers’ trust,” adds Marcello Ferrari, Vice President Global Head of Customer Development Healthcare and Contract Logistics for Kuehne+Nagel. “Our goal is to replicate this blueprint by adopting the same approach to operations but adapting it to the specific needs of Malaysia's expanding healthcare industry.”

A present aligned with the future: Kuehne+Nagel's expansion plans in Singapore and Malaysia align with the company's ambitious Roadmap 2026. Healthcare has been identified as a critical industry for development, mirroring the sustained growth in the Asia Pacific healthcare logistics market, which is projected to continue through 2027. With ongoing investments in healthcare logistics capabilities, Kuehne+Nagel is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the healthcare supply chain industry.

For the Road Logistics team, this meant the vaccines which require special care and refrigeration, needed a complex solution in a very short timeframe. The answer from the Road Logistics team – a quick and resounding yes! Motivated by helping this customer, and with an extra boost of knowing that the flu vaccines would potentially save lives and make a real difference in the lives of those who had so valiantly served our country – our veterans – the team went right to work to make this happen.  

With the expertise of the Road Logistics team at Kuehne+Nagel, who specialize in building these kind of complex road logistics operations, they crafted a unique operation, similar to what is called a “milk run,” to meet the customer’s needs. For this, the team used a multi-stop lane, according to the geography/distance to optimize equipment utilization and reduce the overall cost.  

By early Wednesday morning, within 36 hours of the initial customer call, the Road Logistics team had arranged for three different carriers to pick up over 150 pallets of vaccines from 14 locations across Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. The vaccines were transported in 14 temperature-controlled trucks to ensure their safekeeping during the journey.  

By Friday afternoon, Kuehne+Nagel had successfully made 42 deliveries across 20 states, providing flu shots to over a half a million military veterans and their families across the United States. Thanks to the extraordinary teamwork and expertise of the Road Logistics team here at Kuehne+Nagel, this seemingly impossible task was accomplished, and many VA hospitals were able to receive the flu vaccines they needed.  

“As Veterans Day is upon us, we are especially proud of the teamwork and collaboration to achieve this complex and challenging solution for our customer in support of these everyday heroes,” said Joachim Goller, Regional Road Logistics Manager, Kuehne+Nagel North America. “As more than 15 percent of the population in the United States are veterans, and these VA hospitals serve the entire country, we could not be prouder to have stepped up, and supported this important effort, which we know will make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. This successful delivery proudly coincides with Veterans Day, so a huge shout out to the Road Logistics team for stepping up, taking on this extremely complex operation and making this happen in support of our veterans.”  

Read more about how Kuehne+Nagel stays ahead of the curve in terms of healthcare regulations, technology, and best practices at this link.