Global transport and logistics leader Maersk is planning a new coldstore facility at the Ruakura Superhub in Hamilton.

Tainui Group Holdings (TGH) and Maersk have agreed a long-term ground lease of 4.5 hectares in the Ruakura logistics hub, adjacent to the Ruakura Inland Port. The facility will include a purpose-built 16,000 square-metre coldstore facility to be constructed to a Greenstar 5 sustainability rating and scheduled to be operational in late-2023.

When completed, the facility will have fully convertible temperature-controlled space with temperatures ranging from -25degC to 15degC and storage for over 21,000 pallets of cold chain products. It will feature advanced energy management including an environmentally friendly CO2 cooling plant, solar energy, rainwater harvesting and a low carbon policy for the construction.

Maersk’s commitment to achieve a Greenstar 5 rating for the building is a good fit for Ruakura. 

When the Ruakura Inland Port is fully established the shift of cargoes from road to rail is projected to take 65,000 truck journeys off roads. Ruakura includes provision for future solar generation and electricity microgrids. The precinct also includes a 10-hectare wetland and more than one million native plants in the 92-hectare first stage of the 490-hectare development.

Ruakura Superhub, which is recognised by the New Zealand Government as a project of national significance, is one of the country’s largest developments. It spans logistics, industrial, retail and residential development areas.

It will be anchored by a 30-hectare inland port, with the first 17-hectares of this also set for an official opening as part of Stage 1 in the third quarter of this year.

“From dairy and meat to seafood and fruits, the primary industry sector is key to drive the development of New Zealand’s economy,” says Henrik Jensen, Managing Director of Maersk Oceania. 

“We are pleased to offer our customers innovative solutions and access to our integrated global network, through which we can contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and bring new opportunities to the communities we are part of.

“This cold storage facility will cater for both national and international supply chains, and in conjunction with our extensive New Zealand ocean network connecting the world. We firmly believe it will enable us to be flexible and agile in our operations to ensure that we can match customers’ needs with seasonal demand,” says Mr Jensen.

Chris Joblin, Chief Executive of TGH, says it is gratifying to see TGH’s vision for Ruakura as a logistics and distribution hub continuing to come to life.

“As a truly global player, Maersk brings the serious scale and global transport connections which will confirm the role of Ruakura Superhub as a key node for New Zealand’s supply chain.

“Their presence will have many synergies for the other significant logistics and distribution businesses who have either confirmed a move to the Ruakura Superhub or are still planning to do so,” Joblin says.

Previously confirmed partners and tenants at Ruakura Superhub include the Port of Tauranga (in a joint venture to develop the inland port) along with PBT Express Freight Network (new regional distribution centre), Waitomo Group (flagship service centre including a fuel stop with alternative energy options) and Big Chill.