Yusen Logistics opens Global Pharma Airfreight Gateway at Amsterdam Schiphol

Yusen Logistics announces the opening of its dedicated Pharma Gateway at Amsterdam Schiphol. This new operation represents the official launch of Yusen Logistics’ GDP compliant global pharma airfreight services, the latest step in the company’s customer-driven development in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The official opening ceremony was performed by Hiromitsu Kuramoto, President of Yusen Logistics. Kuramoto joined with Yusen Logistics colleagues in welcoming guests including customers, Airport officials and Customs authorities at the inauguration event.

Kuramoto commented: “This opening represents the next step in the realization of our global healthcare strategy, with this strategic European operation at its very heart. Yusen Logistics Europe is playing an outstanding and important role in leading our global business in this sector. I am very much honored to be here today, on the occasion of this key milestone. “As we make this important step today, I confirm Yusen Logistics’ commitment to further developing and improving our services to the healthcare sector. We shall work to support and maintain our strong relationships with our pharmaceutical manufacturer customers into the future, as they continue to develop ever more sophisticated products. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank them all for entrusting us with their products. We never forget that at the end of the supply chain, there is a patient.” Following a warm welcome and thanks for his support, Bart Pouwels, Director Business Development Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Cargo commented: “We welcome the opening of this new GDP pharma facility at Schiphol, which will form the heart of Yusen Logistics’ global pharma distribution system. We are delighted that they have added to Schiphol’s collective pharma capability with this significant investment, and that they have identified the strong advantages of Schiphol as the ideal location for their hub. “Schiphol’s global network, frequency of service, choice of carrier, streamlined handling processes and supportive Customs are all part of its unique pharma offering. Yusen is now positioned to take full advantage of these factors in developing its global pharma product.” This new operation has been developed in close consultation with Yusen Logistics’ pharma customers, who are increasingly looking for new ways to optimize flows within the constraints of GDP. The operation links Yusen Logistics’ Antwerp import/export consolidation centre and European central warehouse (EDC) with its Schiphol Air operations, to form a true multi-modal hub. This is managed from a single Control Tower, manned by a UK based international team linked to Yusen Logistics’ offices around the world. Customers can now call off full / or part load consignments for movement by air, sea or road through Yusen Logistics European Pharmaceutical Superhighway. This gives Yusen Logistics the flexibility to create efficiencies, driving out cost, providing value to customers in this highly demanding environment. The European Pharmaceutical Superhighway is already contracted to carry over 1.6 million pallets this year, providing shared and single use solutions to highly complex supply chain requirements for our customers. The service is dedicated solely to the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, with over 50,000 delivery points in Europe alone. Yusen Logistics is currently making 20,000 deliveries per week across 36 countries. Features and Dimensions of Yusen Logistics Pharma Gateway Amsterdam - 1,200 sqm bonded GDP compliant warehouse  - Full Temperature control 15-25°C (ambient), Pest control, separation Pharma / general cargo - Cold store unit (2-8°C) capacity: 125m³ / 45 pallet positions Destinations Main destinations for Yusen Logistics’ Pharmaceutical Airfreight shipments from Amsterdam include: JFK, Sao Paulo, Toronto, Santiago de Chile, Japan, Korea, Manila and Sydney. Products handled Products handled include a vast variety of products and raw materials; from prescription medicines, ‘live’ materials such as vaccines, antibiotics, biotechnology and healthcare equipment.