Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Cargo Terminal (PACTL) will open its new eco-friendly cool centre early next year.

PACTL announced plans to open the centre, which has a capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year, following the start of trial operations after the authorities had approved all the necessary licences.

The cool centre covers a total area measuring more than 3,500sq m and features various different climate zones that support continuous cool chains in line with international standards.

PACTL vice president Lutz Grzegorz said: “So far, the trial operations have run as smoothly as expected. As all the cooling cells are working in a stable manner, we’re now about to install roller beds and open a tractor channel to connect the cool center with the apron.”

The terminal said the facility would be eco-friendly as it uses non-toxic refrigerants and operates electrically powered tugs and forklifts. The company’s waste management system also makes use of recycling technologies.