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UPS is deploying ultra-low temperature freezer farms at its healthcare logistics facility in Singapore to boost its regional COVID-19 vaccine distribution capabilities
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The freezers in these farms can reach temperatures of up to -80°C and come with surprisingly large storage capacity for their size
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Roughly 340 million COVID-19 doses are required to inoculate Southeast Asia
United Parcel Service (UPS) announced it is deploying ultra-low temperature freezer farms at its dedicated healthcare logistics facility in Singapore to boost the company’s regional distribution capabilities for COVID-19 vaccines.
UPS in a media release said this move comes as Singapore, a global aviation hub, ramps up its cold storage capacity at Changi Airport to become a COVID-19 vaccine distribution center for Southeast Asia.
UPS said roughly 340 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine are required to inoculate Southeast Asia.
The supply chain management company said the freezers in these farms can reach temperatures of up to -80°C and are identical to those currently in use by UPS in its global facilities for COVID-19 vaccine storage.
Just slightly larger than an average household refrigerator, the freezers nonetheless come with a surprisingly large storage capacity.
Scott Price, president of UPS International said: “Right from the start, UPS has been actively participating in global COVID-19 vaccine distribution. We have delivered more than 152 million doses into 46 countries to date.”
But he said that more needs to be done to accelerate equitable vaccine delivery to underserved regions, and this is where Singapore comes in.
“The country is an important hub in our smart global network and home to our Asia Pacific headquarters. We are excited to boost our vaccine distribution readiness in support of this goal,” he said.
Beyond storing and transporting vaccines, UPS Healthcare has also delivered important supporting elements for administering COVID-19 vaccines, such as syringes, diluents and accompanying medical supplies.
UPS said that its continued success in delivering COVID-19 vaccines “is also creating long-term value for the future distribution of new drugs, especially biologics, which make up more than half of all new pharmaceuticals in the pipeline.”
Biologics or biological products are medicines made from living organisms through highly complex manufacturing processes and must be handled and administered under carefully monitored conditions.
“With increased capabilities in cold chain storage and transportation, UPS Healthcare is ready to support the delivery of future medicines,” said the company.
Photo from UPS
