As data centres expand globally, Kuehne+Nagel launches specialised logistics solutions to ensure secure, sustainable and efficient server transport.
As the digital landscape evolves and enterprises increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, new challenges emerge. While the focus is often on the technology itself, transportation and handling significantly impact operational efficiency and reliability. Whether deploying new equipment, relocating existing servers or constructing a new data centre, the rapid pace of change often bumps up against hurdles for preserving safety, security and even confidentiality.
Supply chains under pressure
As global megatrends like AI, sustainability and automation drive changes to infrastructure, data centre operators are racing to build new sites and upgrade existing facilities. With sensitive shipments on the rise, extra care and white-glove handling are required with more frequency. In some cases, operators may be juggling shipments to existing locations as well as new projects, bringing more complexity to the whole supply chain.
These were many of the driving factors for Kuehne+Nagel to develop a dedicated solution for server and data centre logistics.
Why launch now?
As a logistics leader, Kuehne+Nagel aims to keep pace with accelerating industries and markets. According to Barry O’Dowd, Kuehne+Nagel’s Head of Global Development: “Our experience with shipping cloud infrastructure equipment makes us well-positioned to meet customers’ immediate needs as well as their future ambitions.”
After an in-depth industry analysis with cloud infrastructure experience, Kuehne+Nagel developed a robust playbook to address the priorities of reliability, security, and scalability. It offers a practical method to rapidly scale and deploy new qualified stations across our 1,000-site global network. Shippers can rely on standardised processes, trained professionals and consistent performance in every phase of their expansion strategy.
Full-spectrum logistics
Whether the move is across town or to a greenfield location across the world, our cloud infrastructure services focus on safeguarding servers and minimising data centre downtime. Turner & Townsend’s 2024 DCCI report shows that 80% of respondents experience delays in manufacturing or delivery of critical equipment. It’s all the more reason that a tightly coordinated plan be implemented from pre-delivery prep and route planning to final unloading and inspection at the destination. As Barry O’Dowd affirms: “Meeting each project milestone isn’t simply a feature—it’s our commitment to customers.”.
Trained personnel navigate the complexities of shipping to different countries and skillfully manage regulations and customs clearances, lane risk assessments and chain of custody. Through advanced planning, knowledgeable teams mitigate risks and protect the integrity of high-value equipment. A dedicated customer care manager is a single point and responds quickly to any unforeseen events. With the help of digital checklists and GPS-enabled real-time monitoring sensors, shipments move as planned and on schedule.
Data centre companies also benefit from our sustainability programs that reduce or avoid CO2 emissions and help them meet targets. With increased visibility and reporting, customers have access to more robust data and options to track progress as they reduce their carbon footprint.
A partner for your journey to zero carbon emissions
Alongside computing capacity, the sustainability of data centres has significantly grown in importance. While many leading companies plan to reach zero carbon by 2030, indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 3 emissions) are challenging to measure and manage. According to Uptime, only 36% of data centre operators track Scope 1 emission, 27% track Scope 2 and 18% track Scope 3.
Through Living ESG, Kuehne+Nagel is a frontrunner in offering tangible solutions to reduce CO2e emissions and environmental impacts of supply chains. Guided by science-based targets (SBTi), we offer full CO2e shipment data transparency, low-emission transport options (SAF, BEV, SMF) and sustainable facilities and packaging. Customers have full visibility and insights into emission data for every shipment across all modes of transport.
Protection from the project start to final delivery
As cloud infrastructure equipment is sensitive to environmental factors (temperature and humidity) or physical disturbances (tilting and vibrations), specialised transportation can be outfitted with climate control and shock absorption features as required. Each server rack is checked before proceeding with delivery and throughout transit to ensure zero damage. Beyond core services, other service options are available for white glove handling, site surveys and direct delivery to secured facilities and designated rooms.
But beyond safeguarding the physical condition, Kuehne+Nagel’s ISO27001 certification means organisations can entrust their information with us, whether it’s data on their servers or maintaining the confidentiality of data centre locations.
