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Summary: New integrated cold chain solution creates a scalable pathway for regulated produce entering the United States, reducing bottlenecks and improving cargo flow from origin to destination.
23 Jul 2026
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has launched an integrated cold chain solution connecting origin operations in Chile with ocean transport, U.S. port handling, fumigation, inland logistics and cold storage, creating a scalable model for regulated produce moving into the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Developed in collaboration with fresh produce supplier Oppy and the Port of Wilmington, the solution addresses a longstanding challenge in perishables logistics: constrained fumigation capacity at key U.S. gateways. By coordinating services across the value chain, Maersk improves speed to market, transparency and reliability for temperature-sensitive cargo.
For regulated commodities such as grapes, fumigation is required for entry into the United States. Traditionally performed at origin or congested gateway ports, fumigation can introduce delays, longer dwell times and increased risk to cargo quality. By shifting fumigation to destination and integrating it with downstream cold chain operations, the new setup reduces bottlenecks and enhances supply chain predictability.
This solution was built end to end—from origin handling in Chile to delivery in the U.S. By coordinating ocean, port, fumigation, storage and inland logistics, we are able to provide customers with greater visibility and control, enabling them to move regulated produce, specifically grapes, more efficiently and at scale.
The solution was developed through close collaboration across Maersk’s teams in Latin America and North America, alongside port partners and regulators. Over a six-month period, fumigation capacity at the Port of Wilmington was expanded through additional permits and infrastructure upgrades. This enables cargo to move seamlessly from vessel discharge through fumigation and onward distribution, supported by Maersk’s integrated cold storage facility in Wilmington.
The solution was piloted during the 2026 Chilean grape season, with weekly sailings supported by coordinated destination fumigation and inland distribution via Wilmington. The pilot demonstrated faster cargo availability and reduced transportation costs compared with alternative routings, while establishing a repeatable model for future growth.
In addition to grapes, the expanded fumigation capability enables handling of other regulated commodities, including asparagus, blueberries and citrus. With continued population growth across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, Wilmington provides a complementary gateway to larger ports, offering efficient access to regional markets while helping to alleviate congestion at major hubs.
Maersk and Oppy were recognised by the Port of Wilmington with a Pioneer Award for their collaboration on the project.
