Maersk Steps Up Investment in Cold Chain and Technology

A Maersk expert reveals new investments in cold chain and technology aimed at helping Asia's agri-exporters navigate global trade challenges.

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Maersk senior cold chain specialist, APAC region, Ian Arne Lee speaks to Asiafruit on the recent updates to the logistics group’s offering including a Durian Express service, improved remote container management, in-transit ripening and a new trade and tariff support tool.

How has Maersk added to its offering in the past 12 months both with physical upgrades and improved solutions, particularly in relation to the fresh produce sector in Asia?

Ian Arne Lee: Over the past year, Maersk has sharpened its focus on Asia’s fresh produce sector by expanding its cold chain infrastructure and integrated logistics solutions. In our key markets, Maersk has deployed dedicated cold chain teams to engineer multimodal transport solutions.

During the durian season from Thailand to China, for example, exporters now benefit from the Durian Express, a tailored service that combines ocean, cross-border rail, and trucking offerings to accelerate speed to market.

These physical enhancements are matched by digital innovation. Maersk’s remote container management technology enables real-time temperature adjustments and monitoring, ensuring sensitive cargo like durian remains in optimal condition throughout transit. The Captain Peter platform gives shippers full visibility, with downloadable temperature logs and live data access.

With Asia’s cold chain under pressure from rising demand and fragmented infrastructure, Maersk’s integrated approach is helping fresh produce exporters navigate complexity, reduce spoilage, and meet consumer expectations for quality and freshness.

We’ve continued to see disruption to trade whether it be changing tariffs or geopolitical challenges. How has Maersk been helping its customers to navigate this and ease effects?

Ian Arne Lee: We’ve focused on building agility into our customers’ supply chains so they can adapt quickly and confidently. That starts with flexible routing options, including inland and cross-border transport, and tools like our Flex Hub network that allow cargo to be stored and redirected as needed.

We’ve also launched our Trade & Tariff Studio, which simplifies customs compliance and helps optimise duty applications across thousands of product codes. It’s a powerful tool for exporters navigating shifting regulations.

And looking ahead, our new Gemini Cooperation – a joint network with Hapag-Lloyd – will be a game-changer. With over 90 per cent schedule reliability and leaner mainliner services supported by agile shuttle connections, it’s designed to offer consistency even in volatile conditions. For fresh produce exporters in Asia, that kind of reliability can make all the difference.

Ultimately, our goal is to be a strategic partner that helps our customers stay resilient, responsive, and ready for whatever comes next.

What trends are you seeing in the reefer trade into Asia at the moment?

Ian Arne Lee: The reefer trade into Asia is being shaped by a mix of logistical challenges and shifting trade policies. One of the most immediate pressures comes from Red Sea disruptions, which have extended transit times and strained equipment availability especially for perishables moving from South America and Africa into Asia.

We’re also seeing strong demand for commodities like citrus, avocados, and berries, which is tightening capacity on key lanes. To preserve product quality, more exporters are turning to controlled atmosphere (CA) reefer technology, which helps extend shelf-life to mitigate transit time uncertainties.

Another emerging trend is the impact of local tariffs within Asia, which is prompting a rethink of sourcing strategies. For example, Korea’s tariff structure on Philippine bananas – which is still currently at 18 per cent – has pushed buyers to explore alternatives from Vietnam and Latin America, where bananas enjoy duty-free access under existing trade agreements.

At the same time, the challenge of repositioning empty containers out of Asia remains a concern, leading carriers to expand inland and cross-border logistics options. Maersk, for instance, is investing in sea-rail and barge connections to improve flow and flexibility.

Finally, there’s growing adoption of smart reefer monitoring tools, as customers demand full visibility into temperature and location data. For sensitive cargo like fresh produce, transparency and control are essential.

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