AIR CARG O WEEK


WEEKLY NEWS


will be exported to the National Grid, helping to provide green energy to the wider community. “We are excited about how the solar power generated here will


not only support our own operations but will also contribute to the national push for cleaner energy,” said Bird. “We’re already generating more carbon savings than expected,


which means we’ll be able to create our own carbon credits,” Bird added. “Our goal is to generate real, verifiable carbon credits that we can then sell to our customers.” Yusen Logistics already procures green energy as part of its Zero


Carbon programme, which excludes natural gas from its operations. This commitment


to renewable energy aligns perfectly with the


company’s environmental objectives and supports its pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2030. Bird further noted that the development is an example of how


innovation can work hand in hand with environmental sustainability. “The design of this facility takes into account the latest energy-


efficient technologies, from renewable energy solutions to low-carbon construction practices. By incorporating these elements into the build, we’re not only future-proofing the facility but also ensuring that we’re doing our part to help tackle climate change,” he said.


Logistical efficiency The Northampton location is strategically positioned with exceptional connectivity to major transport links, including direct access to the M1 motorway and close proximity to public transportation options. The site also benefits from its location adjacent to SEGRO’s


thirty-five-acre Strategic Rail Freight Terminal, providing Yusen Logistics with a unique opportunity to offer rail freight solutions to its customers. This access to rail freight will result in significant carbon dioxide (CO2


) savings for inbound transport, further reducing


the carbon footprint of operations. Bird highlighted the value of rail freight in achieving sustainability goals. “Being able to provide rail freight solutions at this site is a huge


advantage. Rail transport is one of the most environmentally efficient methods of moving goods, and this facility enables us to offer our customers an even more sustainable option for their supply chains. It’s a win-win situation for both businesses and the environment,” he explained. In addition to the energy-efficient design and transport advantages,


the warehouse facility is equipped with two hundred and twenty electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, reflecting Yusen Logistics’ commitment to a cleaner, greener fleet. This includes support for Yusen Logistics’ own all-electric company car fleet, which is part of its broader strategy to reduce emissions across all aspects of the business.


Advanced solutions The facility is designed to support a wide variety of storage and logistical needs. It will feature seventy loading docks and six level access doors, making it ideal


03


for high-volume operations. The


warehouse will also support chilled storage, compliant with MHRA and GDP standards for healthcare storage, as well as ambient storage for multiple users—demonstrating its versatility in meeting the diverse needs of customers. “You can’t easily retrofit this level of automation into an existing


operation,” Bird declared. “Normally, if we were pursuing a project like this, we’d have to find a customer willing to fund the automation upfront. But with this project, we’ve taken a different approach. We’ve decided to move forward with the investment and then find customers to fill the space. “We’ve already funded the infrastructure ourselves. This means that customers don’t have to make a large upfront


investment.


Instead, we’re able to offer a more flexible pricing model where customers pay a consistent fee based on their average volumes.”


Looking to the future With full operations expected to begin in summer 2025, the Yusen Logistics facility at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton is poised to showcase the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction in action. “We are incredibly excited about the potential of this project. It


represents the future of logistics: a future where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand,” concluded Bird. “Our goal is to grow in the UK, and that's a key focus for us as


we expand beyond Japan. However, one of the challenges we face is that we can’t continue relying on manual processes if we want to keep up with demand. Additionally, we recognise that competitors will eventually adopt similar automation solutions, so we want to be an early adopter rather than fall behind. “This facility will not only support our business growth but will also


serve as a model for the entire logistics industry in terms of how we can make our operations more sustainable and environmentally responsible.”


www.aircargoweek.com 19 MAY 2025 ACW


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