WFP Logistics – we deliver

WFP has established five Humanitarian Response Depots (HRDs) in key locations around the world: Brindisi (Italy), Panama City (Panama), Accra (Ghana), Dubai City (UAE) and Subang (Malaysia).  The UNHRD network is a preparedness tool that supports the strategic stockpiling efforts of UN, International, Governmental and non-Governmental organisations.  Cost efficencies are maximised through the use of single premises hosting multiple users, both in terms of storage costs and cargo consolidation at time of despatch to emergency operations.

The network holds strategic stock reserves of emergency relief goods such as medical kits, shelter items, IT equipment and prefabricated office and storage units in order that humanitarian organisations are able to respond to the immediate needs at the onset of an emergency.

In addition to storage services the UNHRD network is also a one-stop shop for specific needs of clients from procurement, transport, handling, customs import and export processes through to technical field assistance.

WFP has standardized the depots in the network in terms of their design, stocks and operational protocols. Each depot has the following characteristics: 

• Strategic location - all HRDs are located on the premises of an international airport, in close proximity to seaport and surface transport hubs.

• Free storage - the UNHRD network offers free storage to UN, international, governmental and non-governmental organizations.

• Design - the network offers state-of-the-art warehouses with features such as cold chains and assembly facilities. The depots have a minimum of 5,000 m2 of closed storage, 5,000 m2 of open storage and ample space for offices and training.

• Real-time stock tracking - all depots have advanced warehouse management systems that provide real-time status reports of stocks for better supply chain visibility and faster decision making.

• Procurement arrangements - WFP has special arrangements with some suppliers to provide stocks, such as virtual and white stocks (stocks stored at UNHRD premises at supplier's risk) that can be accessed through the UNHRD Network at competitive rates.

• Training facilities - depots offer training facilities with fully equipped indoor/outdoor training environments suitable for emergency simulations.

• Staging areas - all depots serve as regional staging areas through which all in-kind bilateral aid can be channelled and transported to crisis theatres, creating a "pull" rather than a "push" system.

All UNHRD hubs also provide training center facilities. The Brindisi (Italy) hub has been certified as a Centre of Excellence for Training in Logistics.

For more details on UNHRD, please click here to see their brochure.