New product serves increasing sector demand for ocean freight solutions in the Life Sciences industry

High service levels secure product integrity and supply chain visibility

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of Deutsche Post DHL Group, launched a new ocean freight product named DHL Ocean Thermonet that is specially tailored to the Life Sciences and Healthcare sector. This global offering enhances the range of products that address especially the pharmaceuticals industries' growing demand for ocean freight solutions. DHL Ocean Thermonet enables round-the clock monitoring of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products and the possibility to intervene at short notice in case of incidents, thereby ensuring cargo safety and integrity.

"Based on an increasing demand from customers, we are now extending our Thermonet offering with DHL Ocean Thermonet, addressing the need for a transparent, compliant, consistent and reliable temperature controlled ocean transportation in the Life Sciences industry." explains Nigel Wing, Global Head Life Sciences & Healthcare, DHL Global Forwarding.

Ocean freight transport mode has gained in importance within the Life Sciences and Healthcare sector during the last two years. The worldwide share of this transport mode is projected to grow from five percent in 2013 to 25 percent in 2016.  With DHL Ocean Thermonet, DHL launched a product that corresponds with the service level of the already existing DHL Air Thermonet and is especially suited for temperature sensitive biotech products, which today make up the majority of the global transport volume in the Life Sciences segment.

"With DHL Ocean Thermonet, we further improve visibility and reliability in the ocean mode of transportation, which is an increasing requirement from customers, especially in the Life Sciences & Healthcare industry," says Andreas Boedeker, Global Head of Ocean Freight, DHL Global Forwarding.

DHL Ocean Thermonet provides seamless temperature visibility along the supply chain, 24/7 proactive monitoring and intervention based on pre-determined touch points and DHL's SmartSensor technology, that is in line with GDP regulations. The product offers customers a full service, ensuring a safe and regulatory compliant transportation of their cargo. In addition, sensors constantly measure temperature, humidity and location parameters. Data transfer takes place in real time via GSM network and enables a notification system, reporting any changes of status.

The actively transmitted information can be retrieved at any time via LifeTrack's web or mobile app solution. The application shows shipment details including routing, movement milestones and interventions made to ensure cargo safety. Upon completion of key logistical events or detection of potential irregularities, the app informs the user and also provides details about measures taken as required. In case further support is needed, DHL's cold chain advisors can be contacted 24/7 directly from the app.

Apart from these technical features all persons involved within the complete process are specialized in this mode of transportation and trained in GDP regulations and requirements.

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Source: Deutsche Post DHL