Operational Excellence
Cold Chain & Logistics
From ocean harvest to destination port — our integrated cold chain guarantees product integrity, compliance, and on-time delivery across every lane we operate.
Our Process
7-Step Cold Chain Process
Every shipment follows a rigorous, documented cold chain protocol — from the moment of harvest to delivery at your facility.
Harvest & Vessel-Side Chilling
Catch is processed at sea or immediately upon landing. Whole fish are blast-chilled to 0–2°C within 2 hours of harvest using vessel-side RSW (Refrigerated Sea Water) systems. Species requiring deep-freeze are processed to −18°C or lower within 4 hours.
Shore-Side Receiving & Grading
Landed product is immediately transferred to our HACCP-certified shore facility via refrigerated transport. On arrival, each batch undergoes species verification, quality grading (Grade A/B), and weight documentation before cold store entry.
Processing & Value-Adding
Product is processed to buyer specification: whole round, head-off, gutted, filleted, skin-on/off, or IQF portions. All processing rooms are maintained at +4°C or lower. Hygiene protocols follow BRC Global Standard requirements throughout.
Packaging & Labelling
Processed product is packed in master cartons, retail vacuum packs, or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) per buyer requirements. Labels include species name, scientific name, origin, processing date, lot number, weight, and required market certifications.
Cold Store & Pre-Shipment Hold
Finished goods are held in our −20°C to −25°C blast-freeze cold stores, with a capacity of 2,500 MT. Stores are equipped with 24/7 automated temperature data logging, backed by on-site generator failover. Pre-shipment quality checks are conducted 48 hours before loading.
Reefer Container Loading
Product is stuffed into pre-cooled 20ft or 40ft high-cube reefer containers set to buyer-specified temperatures. Container seals are documented, GPS tracking is activated, and a digital temperature recorder is locked inside each unit for continuous monitoring.
Port Clearance & Delivery
Our logistics team manages all export documentation: health certificates, catch certificates, phytosanitary docs, bills of lading, and destination-country import permits. We coordinate with our freight forwarder partners for smooth port clearance, with live shipment tracking shared with buyers from loading to delivery.
Technical Specifications
Cold Chain Parameters
| Product Category | Storage Temp | Transit Temp | Max Shelf Life | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Tuna (sashimi) | −60°C (super-freeze) | −55°C to −60°C | 24 months | Vacuum / master carton |
| Frozen Tuna (standard) | −18°C to −22°C | −18°C min | 18 months | Vacuum / master carton |
| IQF Prawns & Shrimp | −18°C to −22°C | −18°C min | 18 months | IQF poly bag / master carton |
| Whole Frozen Fish | −18°C to −20°C | −18°C min | 12 months | Block frozen / master carton |
| Live / Fresh Chilled | 0–2°C | 0–4°C | 7–14 days | Styrofoam + ice gel / airfreight |
| Lobster (live) | 4–8°C | 4–8°C | 48–72 hrs transit | Aerated live boxes / airfreight |
Common Questions
Logistics FAQ
What incoterms do you offer?
We support FOB (Free On Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight), DAP (Delivered At Place), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) depending on your location and requirements. Our team will recommend the most cost-effective option based on your destination port.
What is the minimum order for export?
Minimum order quantities vary by species. For most frozen products, the minimum is 1 MT per species (shareable across formats). Full container loads (FCL) of 20ft reefer carry approximately 18–20 MT of frozen product. LCL (Less than Container Load) is available for trial orders.
How is temperature monitored during transit?
Each reefer container is fitted with a calibrated digital temperature data logger. Upon delivery, we provide the complete temperature log for the shipment duration. Containers are also GPS-tracked and our logistics team receives alerts for any temperature deviations en route.
Can you supply health and catch certificates for EU import?
Yes. We issue EU-compliant catch certificates under EC Regulation 1005/2008 for all wild-caught species. Health certificates are issued by our national competent authority (NAQDA / DFAR). We also support IUU compliance documentation for all source vessels.
Do you offer airfreight for premium or live product?
Yes. For sashimi-grade tuna, live lobster, and fresh-chilled high-value species, we arrange airfreight through Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Lead times for airfreight shipments are typically 24–72 hours from processing to destination airport.
What documentation do you provide with each shipment?
Standard documentation includes: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading / Airway Bill, Health Certificate, Catch Certificate, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate (where required), and a Temperature Data Logger report. Additional destination-specific documents (e.g. GACC, SIMP) are arranged upon buyer request.