UNICEF Bets Big on Copenhagen Logistics Hub

28/03/2025, 11:20

PLH Arkitekter has designed the new complex with warehouse and administration buildings. Illustration: By & Havn

UNICEF is investing $450 million to build a major new warehouse complex in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district, near the city’s container port. The decision draws criticism from provincial cities who argue the UN agency should opt for cheaper locations to maximize humanitarian aid funds.

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The facilities by PLH Arkitekter will neighbor Nordhavnsparken just 700 meters from the container terminal, an “perfect” location per architect Per Lund Hansen for distributing global emergency supplies.

UNICEF already runs the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse at the Nordhavn UN City, but has outgrown those 2012 facilities. The new complex allows a massive expansion of logistics operations in Copenhagen’s transport hub.

However, municipalities in Kalundborg, Aalborg and Fredericia claim building in their cities instead could feed 8,000 more children annually with the cost savings versus Copenhagen.

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen rejected splitting UN operations, stating the aim is to coordinate agencies in one location.

Set for 2027 completion using $450 million in foreign aid funds, the project underscores Copenhagen’s role in UNICEF’s supply chain amid questions over prioritizing logistics over direct humanitarian spending.