Maersk opens largest warehouse in Asia Pacific at Shah Alam, Malaysia

Maersk has officially launched its largest contract logistics facility in Asia Pacific, the Maersk Mega Distribution Centre (DC), located in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The new facility increases Maersk’s warehouse footprint in the country by more than 30 per cent and is expected to play a crucial role in improving regional supply chain efficiency.

Spanning nearly 180,000 square metres with 100,000 pallet positions, the multi-client facility is designed to handle a wide range of commodities such as fast-moving consumer goods, food and beverages, footwear and apparel. With shared resources and modern infrastructure, the centre aims to enhance cost-efficiency and operational agility for customers, especially during peak demand periods.

Elaine Low, Area Managing Director for Southeast Asia at Maersk, said the strong domestic consumption in Malaysia and growing opportunities across industries have made the investment timely. She added that the multi-client setup will allow businesses to scale warehousing and distribution seamlessly.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the project, KS Chang, Head of Maersk Contract Logistics Asia Pacific, described it as one of Maersk’s largest contract logistics sites globally. He said the hub strengthens Maersk’s integrated capabilities to provide reliable and flexible supply chains supported by automated solutions that help customers reach local consumers more effectively.

The Shah Alam facility is well connected to major highways including the North-South Expressway (PLUS), ELITE Highway and Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), offering easy access to key industrial zones, Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It also lies about 340 kilometres from Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Maersk’s key transshipment hub in Asia.

The centre connects cargo from overseas ports and airports directly to retailers and consumers through seamless warehousing and last-mile delivery. Daily trucking links major Malaysian cities like Ipoh, Penang, Johor, Malacca and Kota Bharu, while flexible options by sea, air and land extend access to East Malaysia and other Asian markets.

YB Anthony Loke, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, said the facility will boost Malaysia’s logistics and supply chain landscape. He noted that the connectivity offered by Maersk’s Mega Distribution Centre supports the nation’s Logistics and Trade Facilitation Masterplan and aligns with the vision to make Malaysia the “Logistics Gateway to Asia.”

The new warehouse also showcases Maersk’s investment in technology for operational excellence. It features automation systems such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Put-to-Light (PTL) technology and an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) to enable faster order fulfilment, shorter lead times and improved order accuracy.

Additional highlights include bonded and non-bonded storage with on-site Customs officers for faster clearances, value-added services like labelling and repacking, and digital tools such as Maersk’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for real-time inventory visibility.

The facility is Green Building Index (GBI) Gold and LEED Gold certified, incorporating energy- and water-saving features like solar rooftop panels, smart LED lighting and rainwater harvesting systems. Safety measures include forklift safety systems, fire protection, and 24/7 CCTV surveillance, reinforcing Maersk’s commitment to safe and sustainable logistics operations in the region.