Global leading supply chain operator GEODIS is acquiring 21.5 hectares of land at Trade Port Noord from Greenport Venlo. Here, GEODIS plans to build one of the most sustainable logistics facilities in the Netherlands: a 130,000m2 contract logistics site servicing customers from various vertical sectors and designed to accommodate the current growth in e-commerce.

The Venlo region is one of Europe’s prime spots for logistics activities, located near the Dutch border with Germany, acting as a link between the nearby air and seaports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp with the major industrial markets of the continent.

“Trade Port Noord has excellent connections to the European multimodal infrastructure via road, river, rail, ocean and air. This makes it the ideal location for GEODIS to operate cargo flows for international clients, and to manage their warehousing and logistics needs utilizing our European distribution network – and to expand our Benelux-Germany-Poland corridor at the same time”, says Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS.

The construction of the new facility will start in 2022. GEODIS is committed to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of its employees.This new build will be designed to standards aimed at a BREEAM “outstanding” certification, and a WELL Silver certification. BREEAM is a world-known sustainability assessment method for buildings[i]; WELL is an international standard for creating spaces that enhance human health and well-being[ii].

“Health and safety of our employees have always been our first priority – already before the COVID 19 pandemic, and still today”, says Marie-Christine Lombard. “In the same spirit, the GEODIS logistics campus in Venlo will be one of the very few logistics buildings in the world with a WELL certification.”

To ensure all standards for the desired certifications will be in place, GEODIS has involved real estate services and investment company CBRE, advising on the land acquisition and project management.

“The new GEODIS campus is not only impressive in size, but it is also ambitious. To achieve the highest possible BREEAM-rating, we will pay attention to every detail in both design and material use, as well as design various energy saving systems”, says Tim Habraken, Sustainability Director at CBRE.

[1] Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure and buildings . It recognises and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment. 

¹¹ The WELL Building Standard is a vehicle for buildings and organizations to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being. Backed by the latest scientific research, WELL includes strategies that aim to advance health by setting performance standards for design interventions, operational protocols and policies and a commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness. 

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics services provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Already utilized in its road freight operations, GEODIS is now offering customers the opportunity to benefit from alternative fuel solutions in the air and at sea, all around the world. The objective: to contribute to the reduction of the CO₂ emissions of their shipments.

“The development of biofuel is one of the strategic paths being pursued by GEODIS to meet the challenge of carbon neutrality. With these new solutions for air and sea freight, we offer our customers an additional way to decarbonize their entire supply chain,” says Marie-Christine Lombard, GEODIS Chief Executive Officer.

The aviation (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and maritime (Sustainable Marine Fuel) fuels, derived from non-fossil sources, are produced using food and agricultural waste (mainly cooking oil). Their use allows for a massive reduction in CO₂ emissions over the cycle from production to fuel consumption; at least 80% for air and 90% for sea transport, along with a reduction in other pollutants.

“Biofuels are currently the most effective way to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of transport activities,” says Philippe de Carné, GEODIS Executive Vice President Business Development, CSR & Innovation.

These alternative fuel sources are classified as ‘insetting’ or ‘integrated carbon reduction’ because they occur within the means of transport’s own value chain, unlike conventional carbon offsetting, such as solar panels, wind turbines and tree plantations, which are not involved directly in the operational sphere.

“These ‘insetting’ solutions offer our customers the ability to directly impact the global carbon output linked to their shipments by reducing it significantly,” adds Philippe de Carné. Using a ‘Book & Claim’ approach, each customer can opt for a as high a level of contribution as they wish, covering up to 100% of the CO₂ emitted by the transport of their shipment.”

Offering a sustainable alternative fuel for air and sea freight is a new step in GEODIS’ pathway to ecological transition. The Group is one of the world’s leading logistics providers to offer its customers biofuel solutions for all modes of transport: road, air and sea. 

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a world leader in transport and logistics, known for its commitment to helping its customers overcome their logistics constraints. With five business lines (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express and Road Transport), its direct presence in 67 countries and a global network across more than 120 countries, GEODIS ranks first in France, sixth in Europe and seventh worldwide in its sector. In 2020, GEODIS had more than 41,000 employees and a turnover of €8.4 billion.

Partnership with the country’s Customs and Excise Department strengthens GEODIS’ offering, as the APAC division expands its network of local infrastructures.

GEODIS, a leading global transport and logistics services provider, today announced that its division in Hong Kong has been accredited as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. AEO status recognizes excellent security and safety procedures amongst those within the supply chain industry. With the accreditation, GEODIS in Hong Kong will now be given access to priority customs facilitation and inspection, allowing the logistics provider to optimize its local operations, delivering agile, secure, and reliable solutions for customers.

The need for such efficient systems has become more vital than ever, given ongoing supply chain disruption to shipping schedules and factory production across Asia. These delays have also been accompanied by a continuing surge in consumer demand for Asian goods, challenging logistics partners to cope with an increasingly volatile supply chain ecosystem. As a key link between Mainland China and the rest of the world, these service providers in Hong Kong, in particular must work to keep processes up-and-running in the most seamless way possible.

“By achieving AEO accreditation we are helping to strengthen Hong Kong’s logistics credentials as a major international trading center and regional hub,” said Onno Boots, President and Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, GEODIS. “AEO status reflects the team’s commitment to providing our clients with best-in-class services and expertise to not only navigate, but thrive, amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”

“This initiative affirms our continuous efforts to reinforce the infrastructures, processes and information systems required to ensure the most advanced and reliable security measures within the current dynamic environment,” said Christopher Cahill, Managing Director, North Asia Sub-Region. “GEODIS will continue to innovate, leveraging on new technology and automation to keep our operations in Hong Kong scalable and efficient.”

Since its incorporation in 1989, GEODIS in Hong Kong has expanded its presence, investing in an Air Export warehouse at the world-class Airport Freight Forwarding Centre (AAFC) within the Hong Kong International Airport (60,000 sqf) in addition to a Contract Logistics Warehouses located at Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, and Yuen Long (630,000 sqf).

GEODIS in Hong Kong prides itself in providing logistical support to businesses across key verticals such as High-Technology, Retail, Fast Moving Consumer Goods and Industrial goods.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.