Cold Chain Networks in Europe Near Breaking Point as Seafood Exports Climb

By Maria Kalamatas | July 23, 2025

Section: International / Logistics & Cold Chain

Rotterdam, July 23 — Cold storage facilities across northern Europe are operating at near-maximum capacity as exports of seafood products surge, fueled by seasonal harvests and heavy demand from Asia and the Middle East.

“Many of our warehouses are running above 95 percent utilization,” said Johan de Vries, operations director at NorthSea Cold Logistics, which manages facilities across the Netherlands and Belgium. “The turnover is constant, but space is running out.”

Seafood demand drives volume surge

Exports of salmon, shellfish, and frozen whitefish from Scandinavian and northern European suppliers have jumped by nearly 20 percent compared with July last year. Retailers and distributors in Asia are fast-tracking orders to meet rising consumer demand.

“This isn’t a one-week spike,” de Vries explained. “We’ve been handling elevated volumes since early July, and it shows no sign of slowing.”

Logistical challenges mount

With cold stores full, some exporters are leasing temporary refrigerated containers or paying premiums for guaranteed slots to avoid missed sailings. Forwarders warn that rising costs could squeeze smaller producers.

“For many exporters, paying more is the only way to protect contracts,” said Anneke Visser, a Dutch seafood trader. “One missed shipment can jeopardize a year’s worth of business.”

Carriers add reefer units

Shipping lines are deploying additional refrigerated containers and adding direct calls to Asian ports to relieve congestion. However, logistics managers caution that infrastructure limits could cap growth if the surge continues into August.

“The current setup can handle this wave, but any further spike will stretch the system to its edge,” de Vries noted.

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