DHL Group is expanding its life sciences and healthcare logistics infrastructure in Singapore through new and upgraded facilities across DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express.
The investments are intended to strengthen Singapore’s role as a regional hub for the storage, handling and distribution of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics, medical devices, clinical trial materials and other temperature-sensitive healthcare products.
DHL said the expansion focuses on three areas: infrastructure, specialist expertise and strategic partnerships.
The move comes as Asia Pacific’s pharmaceutical logistics market is projected to grow from US$163 billion in 2025 to nearly US$239 billion by 2031, driven by rising demand for biologics, vaccines and other products requiring specialised storage and transport.
DHL Global Forwarding is developing a new Singapore Coldchain Hub at Changi Nexus One within Changi Airport’s 24/7 Free Trade Zone.
The S$22 million facility will provide 3,047 square metres of GDP-aligned temperature-controlled infrastructure for high-value and time-sensitive healthcare cargo.
It will include dedicated handling environments at 2°C to 8°C and 15°C to 25°C and is designed to maintain an unbroken cold chain from aircraft arrival through onward distribution.
The facility is expected to open in late 2027.
“In healthcare logistics, precision is non-negotiable. A temperature excursion of just a few degrees can compromise the integrity of high-value medicines, biologics and other critical healthcare products,” said Praveen Gregory, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
“By combining specialized infrastructure, direct airside connectivity and dedicated temperature-controlled handling solutions, our new Singapore Coldchain Hub will help minimize product exposure throughout the shipment journey.”
DHL Supply Chain is also building Pharma Hub 2 following the opening of its first Singapore Pharma Hub in 2025.
The new S$7 million facility will add controlled ambient storage for pharmaceutical and medical device customers and support warehousing, distribution, kitting and other value-added healthcare logistics services.
Spanning more than 8,000 square metres, Pharma Hub 2 will operate entirely at 15°C to 25°C with humidity maintained below 60%.
The facility will provide approximately 7,680 pallet positions and incorporate GDP-compliant and GMP-aligned infrastructure, including dedicated redressing rooms.
With both pharma hubs operational, DHL Supply Chain’s pharmaceutical logistics footprint in Singapore will reach approximately 16,000 square metres and around 12,000 pallet positions.
Pharma Hub 2 is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2027.
“Capacity on its own isn’t the goal. It’s what that capacity allows our customers to do,” said Eunis Hew, Managing Director, DHL Supply Chain Singapore.
“Pharma Hub 2 builds on the strong foundation we have established with Pharma Hub, giving our customers additional room to grow while maintaining the quality and compliance standards their products require.”
DHL Express has meanwhile established a GDP-compliant healthcare handling and storage area of approximately 20 square metres at its South Asia Hub at Changi Airport.
The controlled ambient room operates at 15°C to 25°C and represents the first GDP-compliant healthcare logistics space within a DHL Express facility globally.
DHL said the space will support the secure transit of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments moving through one of Asia’s major logistics gateways.
“When it comes to healthcare shipments, every handoff matters,” said Christopher Ong, Managing Director, DHL Express Singapore.
“By expanding GDP-compliant handling and storage capabilities within our South Asia Hub, we’re helping customers reduce risk during transit and maintain the integrity of temperature-sensitive products throughout their journey.”
Beyond physical infrastructure, DHL is expanding specialist training across its workforce in temperature-controlled handling, GDP requirements, quality management and regulatory compliance.
The company is also increasing the number of healthcare logistics specialists, including pharmacists, to support increasingly complex life sciences supply-chain requirements.
DHL is further strengthening partnerships across the ecosystem, including collaborations with airlines, airport partners, healthcare manufacturers and logistics providers.
Its recent partnership with Life Science Incubator will give startups, SMEs, researchers and healthcare innovators access to specialised logistics capabilities and training in international trade, supply-chain management and cross-border regulatory requirements.
DHL Global Forwarding is also working with Changi Airport Group to strengthen healthcare trade lanes across Asia Pacific.
The Singapore investments form part of DHL Group’s broader €2 billion global life sciences and healthcare investment programme announced in 2025, of which €500 million is earmarked for Asia Pacific.
The programme spans storage, order fulfilment, distribution, global transportation and last-mile delivery.
DHL said the combined investments are intended to strengthen Singapore’s position as a key gateway for life sciences and healthcare supply chains across Asia Pacific while helping companies maintain product quality, visibility and regulatory compliance.
