The centre will handle up to 250,000 tons of seafood annually in a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled facility.
“This is a unique opportunity to define the future of cool chain logistics for seafood as air cargo. The Seafood Centre at Oslo airport will increase the competitiveness of Norwegian Seafood globally and industrialise the handling,” said Martin Langaas, Director Cargo, Avinor Oslo airport.
Half of all the air cargo generated in the Nordic region comes from Norway. In 2017, Oslo airport was the fastest growing cargo airport in Europe, posting 36% growth. Some 185,000 tons were flown in and out of the airport, 90,000 tons of which were seafood.
In 2018, Norwegian seafood flown as cargo is expected to reach 230,000 tons. As a result, Oslo airport is now the largest freighter airport in Northern Europe with 14 cargo airlines calling at the airport weekly.
Øyvind Hasaas, Executive Vice President of Oslo airport, commented on the development. “We have listened to the exporters and their needs to ensure quality and time to market. I believe the dedication from the seafood exporters in this project is an acknowledgement of the project itself. The Seafood Centre will create value for all of Norway and increase the competitiveness of Norwegian Seafood globally.”
John Batten, Executive Vice President Cargo EMEAA at WFS, said that the handler was eager to expand its network into Norway and Oslo airport. “The seafood industry is a unique opportunity for us to share our experience and excellence in air cargo handling. We look forward to opening a dedicated facility at Oslo airport that is fully adapted to the future needs of the seafood industry,” he said. “Our terminal will be a game changer in the handling of seafood as air cargo and an important part of ensuring the future growth of one of Norway’s most important industries.”
Construction of the terminal is due to begin in April 2019, with operations expected to commence in 2021.