Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal (Pactl), scheduled to begin full operations early next year, has begun trial operations last week on its new eco-friendly cool-chain centre after receiving all the necessary licences.

The centre measures more than 11,000 square feet and features various climate zones that will support the continuous cool-chain care needed, based on international standards. The facility was designed for safe, efficient and transparent handling of up to 100,000 tonnes of temperature-sensitive air cargo each year, according to Air Cargo World.

Vice president of Pactl, Lutz Grzegorz, commented: "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 centre with the apron.

"As we're making use of eco-friendly cooling technology, we're also contributing to the climate footprint of the air cargo industry."

Pactl uses new non-toxic refrigerants and operates electrically powered tugs and forklifts and its waste management system also makes use of recycling technologies.