DHL expands cold chain air corridors to Asia
DHL Global Forwarding launches six new pharmaceutical air corridors, while Matson christens the first vessel in a $1 billion Jones Act fleet renewal.
Two separate developments highlight strategic investments in specialized logistics networks. DHL Global Forwarding has established new air corridors for pharmaceutical products, and Matson has christened a new containership as part of a major fleet renewal program.
DHL's Cold Chain Expansion
DHL Global Forwarding has established six new dedicated air corridors for life sciences and healthcare shipments, connecting Europe and North America with key Asian hubs. The corridors are Liège-Shanghai, Brussels-Shanghai, Brussels-Singapore, Cincinnati-Singapore, Cincinnati-Tokyo Narita, and Cincinnati-Seoul Incheon.
The expansion aims to provide temperature-controlled capacity and greater routing flexibility for pharmaceutical customers. The company states this helps reduce supply chain risk and protect product integrity. The majority of flights operate on DHL Express-branded Boeing 777 freighters, which offer three compartments with dedicated temperature settings. Keeping shipments within the DHL network reduces handovers and allows for greater control over the cargo's journey.
Henk Venema, global head of airfreight at DHL Global Forwarding, said the corridors respond to customer demand for reliable connectivity between major healthcare markets. The new Brussels-Singapore and Cincinnati-Singapore routes specifically strengthen Singapore's role as a key gateway. This launch follows the company's recent announcement of a future DHL Singapore Cold Chain Hub, which will feature dedicated temperature-controlled storage and direct airside access.
Matson's Fleet Renewal Milestone
Matson has christened the first of three new Jones Act containerships at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard. The vessel, named Makua, was christened on October 10 during a ceremony attended by approximately 300 people, including federal officials and company executives.
The 3,600-TEU ship is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2027 and will serve in Matson's Hawaii and China-Long Beach Express networks. It is the first in a roughly $1 billion investment for three Aloha Class vessels, with the second and third scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2027 and second quarter of 2028, respectively.
The new ships will replace three existing vessels while increasing capacity and improving efficiency. Based on Matson's earlier Aloha Class ships, the new vessels measure approximately 850 feet long and have a top speed approaching 24 knots. Each will be delivered with LNG-ready dual-fuel engines, fuel-efficient hull designs, and freshwater ballast systems. Matson Chairman and CEO Matt Cox stated the ships will improve reliability and capacity while supporting U.S. shipyard jobs.
The christening marks progress in Hanwha's expansion of U.S. shipbuilding since acquiring the yard in late 2024. Steel cutting for the Makua began in October 2024, and construction on the subsequent vessels is already underway. The program is part of a broader expansion at the Philadelphia facility, which is also pursuing government and naval shipbuilding work.
