PharmaLife solutions

Pharmaceuticals and life science shipments

Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife provides fully GDP-compliant logistics for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

We offer both passive and active solutions, supported by SmartTrack real-time monitoring, specialised equipment, and robust SOPs.

Shipments are managed through our IATA CEIV Pharma-certified hub in Abu Dhabi and a global network of cool chain corridors.

From clinical trials to commercial distribution, PharmaLife ensures uncompromising precision, reliability, and speed.

PharmaLife Active

We’ve partnered with leading suppliers Envirotainer, Csafe, Dokasch and SkyCell to offer premium leasing options for your pharmaceutical and life science shipments. Our active and hybrid solutions mean that your shipments are always stored and transported safely and securely at the correct temperature.

Envirotainers

Envirotainer RAP e2 container

The RAP e2 is a highly advanced temperature-controlled container built for the demanding needs of pharmaceutical shipments. With over 23,000 successful deliveries, it reliably holds five Euro or four US pallets.

Its insulated shell, electric heating, compressor cooling, and enhanced airflow maintain temperatures from ±0 to +25°C, including +2 to +8°C and +15 to +25°C ranges—even in extreme conditions.

Envirotainer RKN e1 container

The RKN e1 is a single-pallet container designed for smaller pharmaceutical shipments. It features advanced compressor cooling, electric heating, and active temperature control.

It maintains any set temperature between ±0 and +25°C, including +2 to +8°C and +15 to +25°C ranges. With an insulated shell, enhanced airflow, rechargeable batteries, and data-logging, it ensures safe, consistent transport from start to finish.

Envirotainer RAP t2 container

The Envirotainer RAP t2 is the largest container in the fleet, designed for reliable transport of large, temperature-sensitive shipments.

Using a dry-ice-based active cooling system, it supports both frozen and chilled cargo. Measuring 3170 x 2230 x 1620 mm, it’s typically handled via roller beds and forklifted only when empty.

Envirotainer RKN t2 container

The Envirotainer RKN t2 is a medium-sized container designed to protect temperature-sensitive shipments with dry-ice-based active cooling.

Measuring 2000 x 1535 x 1620 mm, it supports both frozen and chilled cargo and can be handled by forklift.

CSafe RKN

The CSafe RKN is a compressor-driven container offering precise temperature control from +4°C to +25°C, with over 100 hours of battery life.

It eliminates the need for dry ice, reducing handling costs and avoiding hazardous goods charges. Data tracking ensures compliance and is easily downloaded via USB. Certified by FAA, EASA, and other major authorities.

CSafe RAP

The CSafe RAP combines advanced cooling and heating with VIP insulation to protect cargo in extreme temperatures from –30°C to +54°C.

Users can select set points from +4°C to +25°C in 1°C increments, with up to 120 hours of battery life. Data from 10 sensors is downloadable via USB. Fully certified by global aviation regulators.

va-Q-tec

The va-Q-tainer is a high-performance passive container using vacuum insulation and phase change materials tomaintain temperatures for over five days.

Delivered preconditioned and quality-checked, the LOAD & GO service simplifies handling at every stage. Available in single and double pallet sizes, it works reliably across all seasons without power, fans or batteries.

  • Six temperature ranges: –40°C to +25°C with PCM, or down to –70°C with dry ice · Maintains +2°C to +8°C for 120–230 hours
  • Consistent temperature, low handling risk, and high reliability

Dokasch Opticooler RAP

With quadruple redundancy, the Opticooler RAP ensures reliable temperature control between +2°C and +30°C.

It holds up to five Euro or four US pallets and features a user-friendly touchscreen for easy operation.

Powered by a high-capacity battery, advanced compressor technology and CPU, it outperforms comparable units. Charging takes just two to four hours, with no need for dry ice.

Dokasch Opticooler RK

Reliable, efficient and easy to use, the Opticooler RKN features a touchscreen panel, large battery, advanced compressor, and integrated CPU.

It holds one Euro or US pallet and maintains temperatures from +2°C to +30°C. Charging takes just two to four hours, with no need for dry ice.

SkyCell containers

SkyCell’s hybrid containers merge Swiss engineering with smart technology to deliver safe, secure and sustainable pharmaceutical transport. Built for reliability, they ensure critical medicines and vaccines arrive on time and in perfect condition.

SkyCell C/CRT containers

SkyCell C containers maintain +2°C to +8°C, while CRT models hold +15°C to +25°C. Available in 1- or 2-pallet sizes, each unit is GDP certified, preconditioned and IoT-enabled. With 202 hours of runtime and less than 0.1% excursions, they offer proven temperature stability.

Reliable Protection for Temperature-Sensitive Shipments

Reliable Protection for Temperature-Sensitive Shipments 

Etihad Cargo offers GDP-compliant passive solutions across all major temperature ranges: COL (+2–8°C), CRT (+15–25°C), and ERT (+2–25°C), supporting both customer-supplied and certified autonomous packaging. 

All PharmaLife shipments are handled through qualified, annually calibrated cool roomsat our IATA CEIV Pharma-certified hub, with temperature-controlled aircraft holds and short turnaround SLAsto minimize exposure and mitigate any risk. 

To ensure thermal integrity on the ground, we deploy pre-conditioned thermal blankets and cool dollies for all PharmaLifeshipments at our Abu Dhabi hub, shielding cargo from ambient extremes between aircraft and storage. 

Additional passive handling equipment is available for pre-order at 25+ stationsacross our global network, ensuring consistency, flexibility, and peace of mind from origin to destination.