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Case

Energy efficiency in buildings

Green buildings

Smart buildings

Sustainable Distribution Centre for Maersk in Rotterdam

2 September 2025

Solution provider

Advansor

We specialize in sustainable CO₂-based heat pumps and climate solutions that combine cooling, freezing, air-conditioning and heating into one system to reduce the need for fossil fuels, boost energy savings and lower the total cost of ownership.

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Challenge

Maersk faced the challenge of developing a large-scale distribution centre capable of handling sensitive cold chain products—such as pharmaceuticals, seafood, and fresh produce—while meeting ambitious sustainability targets. The facility needed to maintain precise temperature control across 16 cold rooms ranging from -25°C to 20°C, all while minimizing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As part of Maersk’s broader net-zero strategy, the solution had to address high energy demands, ensure reliability, and enable heat recovery to reduce waste. The complexity of managing simultaneous cooling, freezing, and heating functions in one integrated system added to the technical and environmental challenge.

Solution

To meet these demands, Maersk implemented six SteelXL systems—two dedicated to freezing and four to cold storage. These units deliver 2.4 MW of cooling, 700 kW of freezing, and 2.4 MW of heating capacity. The system also recovers heat for floor heating, hot tap water, comfort heating, and hot gas defrost. All compressors are equipped with Permanent Magnet Motors for enhanced efficiency. This integrated climate solution ensures stable temperatures for Maersk’s sensitive goods while supporting its net-zero goals. The project reflects a shared vision between Maersk and its partners to reduce emissions across logistics operations and demonstrates how advanced refrigeration technology can be deployed at scale.

Maersk Rotterdam machine room

Result

The implementation of the SteelXL systems has significantly improved energy efficiency at Maersk’s distribution centre. Heat recovery features reduce overall energy waste, contributing to lower operational costs and a reduced carbon footprint. The system’s reliability ensures safe storage of high-value, temperature-sensitive products. By aligning with Science Based Target Initiatives (SBTIs), the project supports Maersk’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2040. Advansor’s ISO 50001-certified energy management practices further reinforce the value created for Maersk and its customers. The solution not only meets technical and environmental requirements but also sets a precedent for sustainable logistics infrastructure.

Products in this solution

SteelXL - Climate Solution

Advansor SteelXL