GERMANY | DHL Freight, one of the leading road freight providers in Europe, has officially inaugurated its new terminal in Berlin-Marienfelde.
With a footprint of 5,200 square meters, 48 loading docks and cutting-edge infrastructure, the site replaced the existing facility in Berlin, which has reached the limits of its capacity.
Due to its central location and sustainable technology, the new terminal has set standards in logistics and environmental awareness for the region in and around Berlin.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from politics and industry as well as project partners, including Dr Ann-Kathrin Biewener, Head of Economic Development for the Tempelhof-Schoeneberg District, Berlin, Dr Thomas Vogel, CEO DHL Freight DACH, UK and IE, and Goetz Hanningsmann, Area Manager North DHL Freight, Real Estate Developer Marc Urbatsch, Managing Director of Operations GmbH, Project Lead Frank Gottschalk, Bremer Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH.
“The new city terminal in Berlin not only expands our capacities but also reflects our commitment to more sustainable logistics. In addition to various alternative drive technologies such as electric trucks, at the site itself, we have placed importance on measures such as photovoltaics, wind turbines and the latest in water management,” said Dr Thomas Vogel, CEO of DHL Freight DACH, UK and IE.
“With modern technologies and optimised processes, we can contribute to making the transport of goods in the region not only more efficient but also more sustainable. This creates double value for our customers and our environment.”
The terminal was built in accordance with DHL’s sustainability strategy, with a holistic concept for more sustainable logistics clearly in focus.
In terms of local transport, the vehicle fleet will be converted to alternative drives, from electric forklifts to natural-gas-powered trucks to battery-electric trucks, which are already being used for deliveries on the last mile.
The technical infrastructure of the terminal itself was consistently aligned toward energy efficiency as a heat pump system ensured the right temperature control, while a rainwater cistern optimised water consumption. An energy-saving LED lighting system has also been installed as standard.
Charging stations with electricity from renewable sources have been made available for both cars and trucks used for local and long-distance transport. A photovoltaic system and wind turbines also supported the holistic energy concept.
The new terminal in the Marienfelde district was part of DHL Freight’s long-term growth strategy. Its location in south Berlin improved the efficiency and quality of services for customers in and around Germany’s capital and strengthened the entire European network.
In addition to handling LTL and FTL transports, the site will also test innovative logistics solutions to better serve future needs.
The terminal was built on a former industrial site on Buckower Chaussee, south of the city. Operatio GmbH and Bremer Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH developed and implemented the project, which was completed in November 2023.
The 20,000-square-metre site, which replaced the previous downtown terminal, was completed within just 14 months. It now houses a modern freight forwarding facility.
In addition to the Marienfelde terminal, DHL Freight operates another site in the region in the town of Wustermark. Together, the two sites will provide an ideal starting point for logistics services in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
More supply chain and logistics news here
