Yusen Logistics announces the opening of its dedicated pharmaceuticals gateway at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This new operation represents the official launch of Yusen Logistics’ global pharma airfreight services compliant with the European Commission’s good distribution practices (GDP) guidelines.

Yuden described the development as “the latest step in the company’s customer-driven development in the pharmaceutical supply chain.”

This new operation has been developed in close consultation with Yusen Logistics’ pharmaceuticals customers, who are increasingly looking for new ways to optimize flows within the constraints of GDP. The operation links Yusen Logistics’ Antwerp import/export consolidation center and European central warehouse with its Schiphol operations, to form a multi-modal hub.

Yusen Logistics customers can now call off full or part-load consignments for movement by air, sea or road through Yusen Logistics European Pharmaceutical Superhighway. “This gives Yusen Logistics the flexibility to create efficiencies, driving out cost, providing value to customers in this highly demanding environment,” the company said, in a statement.

The European Pharmaceutical Superhighway is already contracted to carry over 1.6 million pallets this year, providing shared and single use solutions to highly complex supply chain requirements for our customers.

The service is dedicated solely to the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, with over 50,000 delivery points in Europe alone. Yusen Logistics is currently making 20,000 deliveries per week across 36 countries.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is increasingly attracting logistics companies serving the pharmaceuticals and medical devices industries. Earlier this month, MNX Global Logistics announced the opening of a dedicated supply chain and logistics facility near Amsterdam Schiphol that will serve as the operations and warehousing hub for MNX’s life sciences and medical device customers throughout Europe.

The Yusen Logistics Amsterdam gateway includes 13,000 square feet of bonded, GDP-compliant warehouse space, full temperature control, and 45 pallet positions in a cold store unit.

“This opening represents the next step in the realization of our global healthcare strategy, with this strategic European operation at its very heart,” said Hiromitsu Kuramoto, president of Yusen Logistics. “We shall work to support and maintain our strong relationships with our pharmaceutical manufacturer customers into the future, as they continue to develop ever more sophisticated products.”

Main destinations for Yusen Logistics’ pharmaceutical airfreight shipments from Amsterdam include JFK, Sao Paulo, Toronto, Santiago de Chile, Japan, Korea, Manila and Sydney. Products handled include prescription medicines, vaccines, antibiotics, biotechnologies, and healthcare equipment.