Elevating pharma logistics

Elevating pharma logistics

Pharmaceutical logistics is not just about transporting products; it’s about ensuring patient safety and maintaining the integrity of life-saving goods throughout the supply chain.

With precision and reliability the difference between life and death, Cathay Cargo is looking to strengthen its pharmaceutical offering with an innovative Pharma Intelligent Logistics (P.I.L) solutions.

“At Cathay Cargo, we’ve designed Cathay Pharma Solutions to address the most pressing challenges in pharma transportation with a focus on reliability, transparency, and efficiency,” Janice Kwan, Cargo Customer Solutions Manager at Cathay Cargo, outlined.

At the core of Cathay Cargo’s operations is the Cathay Cargo Terminal (CCT) in Hong Kong spans 109,000 square meters, featuring a dedicated cold facility with multi-chamber cold rooms for a wide range of temperature requirements. These include storage conditions from -25°C for frozen goods to controlled room temperatures of +15°C to +25°C.

“Our facilities are not just about storage; they’re about precision,” Kwan emphasised. “From roller bed floors for container manoeuvring to direct cargo escalators leading to cold rooms, every aspect of our operations is designed for efficiency and reliability.”

Tailored solutions

Cathay Pharma offers customised solutions tailored to the specific needs of its customers. The Active Pharma Solutionrelies on temperature-controlled containers powered by dry ice or battery systems, ensuring real-time temperature and battery tracking. Meanwhile, the Passive Pharma Solution employs insulated packaging with refrigerants to maintain stability during transit. Both solutions leverage speedy ground logistics and inflight temperature control to minimise risks.

“Our dual approach—active and passive—ensures we can meet diverse customer needs, from highly sensitive biopharmaceuticals to large-scale vaccine shipments,” Kwan said.

Cathay Cargo’s 24×7 Operations Control Centre further underscores its commitment to customer satisfaction. Dedicated teams monitor shipments round-the-clock, providing live support and rapid responses to potential disruptions. “Proactive support is at the heart of what we do. It’s not just about reacting to issues but anticipating and preventing them,” Kwan added.

The Ultra Track add-on provides next-generation track-and-trace capabilities, offering customers unparalleled visibility into their shipments. Real-time monitoring, multi-dimensional data tracking, and automated alerts ensure that risks are identified and mitigated promptly.

“Transparency is the cornerstone of trust,” Kwan remarked. “Our Ultra Track system not only enhances data visibility but also empowers our customers to make informed decisions with confidence.”

Global Network and Qualified Stations

Cathay Cargo’s expansive network spans 146 destinations, with 54 CEIV Pharma-certified stations. These include major hubs in Europe, North America, and Asia, ensuring compliance with global standards like GDP (Good Distribution Practices).

“Our global reach combined with local expertise allows us to deliver seamless solutions anywhere in the world,” Kwan said. “This network is crucial for maintaining the integrity of pharma shipments across complex supply chains.”

Innovation and sustainability are central to Cathay Cargo’s ethos. The company partners with leading container providers, offering options like SkyCell and Envirotainer that cater to ultra-low temperatures and sustainable solutions. The introduction of modernised pharma handling centres and bookable cool dollies further streamlines operations.

“Sustainability is integral to our mission. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and sustainable packaging, we are reducing our environmental footprint without compromising on quality,” Kwan emphasised.

Picture of Ajinkya Gurav

Ajinkya Gurav

With a passion for aviation, Ajinkya Gurav graduated from De Montford University with a Master’s degree in Air Transport Management. Over the past decade, he has written insightful analysis and captivating coverage around passenger and cargo operations. Gurav joined Air Cargo Week as its Regional Representative in 2024. Got news or comment to share? Contact ajinkya.gurav@aircargoweek.com

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