DHL to build cold-chain healthcare hub at Singapore Changi

DHL Global Forwarding Singapore will build a dedicated healthcare logistics site at Singapore Changi, the company said. The 3,047 square metre DHL Singapore Coldchain Hub is planned for Changi Nexus One in the Changi Airfreight Centre and is targeted for completion at the end of next year.

The facility will have temperature-control equipment and direct airside access. DHL says this will improve handling of time- and temperature-sensitive healthcare and life sciences cargo.

The investment is part of DHL Group's wider push into life sciences and healthcare and of a €2 billion commitment to DHL Health Logistics under Strategy 2030.

Praveen Gregory, chief executive of DHL Global Forwarding for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, said Asia-Pacific demand is shifting toward biologics, specialty medicines and other products needing careful temperature management, and cited Singapore's connectivity, logistics infrastructure and regulatory setting as reasons for the location.

Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group's executive vice president for air hub and cargo development, said the facility extends a long partnership with DHL Group and reflects the weight of healthcare and life sciences cargo at the airport, citing air connectivity, airside infrastructure and specialised cargo handling.

An IQVIA outlook cited in the article projects pharmaceutical sales across 12 major Asian markets, including China, Japan, India, South Korea and Singapore, growing at a compound annual rate of 3.7% between 2024 and 2029.