A MOU has been signed between Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) and Sjømatterminalen AS to operate the Seafood Center at Oslo Airport. The Seafood Center will handle up to 250,000 tons of Seafood annually in a facility designed to meet industry requirements for cool chain logistics and innovation.
“We are confident in WFS’ experience in perishable cargo and their commitment to this project. This is a unique opportunity to define the future of cool chain logistics for seafood as air cargo. The Seafood Center at Oslo Airport will increase the competitiveness of Norwegian Seafood globally and industrialize the handling. With an experienced international handler as WFS, we believe Oslo Airport will increase its competitive advantage as the preferred cargo hub in Northern Europe,” says Martin Langaas, Director Cargo in Avinor Oslo Airport.
Norway stands for half of all the air cargo generated in the Nordic region. In 2017, Oslo Airport was the fastest growing Cargo Airport in Europe with a 36% growth. Some 185,000t where flown in and out of the airport with 90,000t being Seafood.
“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 Center will create value for all of Norway and increase the competitiveness of Norwegian Seafood globally,” added Øyvind Hasaas, Executive Vice President of Oslo Airport.
In 2018, Norwegian Seafood as air cargo is expected to reach some 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.
John Batten, Executive Vice President Cargo EMEAA at WFS, stated: “As one of the world’s leading cargo handlers globally, we are excited to expand our 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.
Our terminal will be a game changer in the handling of Seafood as air cargo and be an important part of ensuring the future growth of one of Norway’s most important industries.” Construction of the terminal is expected to commence in April 2019, with an opening of the terminal in 2021.
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