The freight and haulage operator, which has bases in Shetland, Orkney, Aberdeen, Inverness, Scrabster and Central Scotland, will take delivery of eight new insulated trailers this year.
The initial order will be followed by a rolling replacement programme under which four trailers will be renewed annually.
Manufactured by SDC Trailers Ltd, the units are based on Northwards’ Insuliner concept, first introduced 14 years ago to transport temperature-controlled fish from Shetland.
The design is particularly suited to the Shetland–Aberdeen ferry route, where available deck space is limited. Unlike conventional refrigerated trailers, which are generally loaded through the rear doors, the Insuliners can also be side-loaded.
This allows the trailers to carry a wider range of goods on their return journeys, including feed and other supplies for the islands, improving the use of available freight capacity.
Real-time monitoring for salmon shipments
The trailers will use Advancer A400 refrigeration units supplied by Thermo King Northern. According to Northwards, the equipment uses a more efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration motor while maintaining the conditions required for fresh fish.
Each trailer will also be fitted with real-time temperature monitoring and advanced tracking technology.
The new trailers are based on the original concept we introduced 14 years ago and insulated to the same high standard,” said Northwards commercial director Neil Leslie.
“All trailers are equipped with advanced tracking systems that provide real-time temperature monitoring throughout transit and automatically issue alerts if any deviation from the required conditions is detected.”
Investment follows expansion at Scottish Seafarms
The fleet investment comes as Scottish Seafarms, one of Northwards’ salmon farming and processing customers in Shetland, increases its production capacity.
Lyndsay MacCorquodale, supply chain coordinator at Scottish Seafarms, said the additional equipment would support the company’s growth and help protect product quality throughout the journey to customers.
The new insulated trailers will help ensure our premium Scottish salmon reaches customers in optimum condition, with the reliability and efficiency that our supply chain depends on,” she said.
She added that the ability to carry feed and other essential products on return journeys would deliver greater efficiency and sustainability by making better use of limited capacity.
Aquaculture remains a key market
Leslie said aquaculture was an important part of Northwards’ business and required close attention to delivery times, temperature control and reliability.
We recognise the perishable nature of fresh fish and the importance of timely deliveries in maintaining quality, value and customer confidence,” he said.
He added that the investment reflected the operator’s commitment to using more sustainable and efficient practices while supporting both its customers and the wider Scottish aquaculture sector.
