Planning Tool

Cold-chain project timeline generator

Enter a few project parameters — get an indicative phased schedule from feasibility to commissioning. For planning conversations with stakeholders, lenders and suppliers. Not a contractual schedule.

Indicative planning schedule only. Actual timelines depend on country, permitting, financing close, supplier lead times, logistics, site conditions and scope. Confirm milestones with your engineering & procurement team and suppliers.

Indicative schedule

Cold storage / refrigerated warehouse

Total duration

60 weeks

Handover ≈ 10 Nov 2027

Phase 1
Feasibility & site survey
Concept, catchment / demand, site walk, utility check.
4 wk
16 Sept 2026 → 14 Oct 2026
Phase 2
Basic + detailed design
FEED, layouts, load calculations, specifications.
6 wk
14 Oct 2026 → 25 Nov 2026
Phase 3
Supplier selection & PO
RFQ, technical & commercial evaluation, contract.
5 wk
25 Nov 2026 → 30 Dec 2026
Phase 4
Financing preparation
Business plan, lender package, term sheet.
4 wk
30 Dec 2026 → 27 Jan 2027
Phase 5
Manufacturing / fabrication
Equipment build, panels, controls, FAT.
13 wk
27 Jan 2027 → 28 Apr 2027
Phase 6
Shipping & logistics
Sea/air freight, customs, inland transport.
5 wk
28 Apr 2027 → 02 Jun 2027
Phase 7
Site preparation & civil works
Foundations, floor, drainage, incoming utilities.
8 wk
02 Jun 2027 → 28 Jul 2027
Phase 8
Mechanical & electrical installation
Envelope, refrigeration, piping, electrical, controls.
9 wk
28 Jul 2027 → 29 Sept 2027
Phase 9
Testing & SAT
Site acceptance, pressure/leak, controls integration.
3 wk
29 Sept 2027 → 20 Oct 2027
Phase 10
Commissioning & handover
Cool-down, training, documentation, warranty start.
3 wk
20 Oct 2027 → 10 Nov 2027

Move to RFQ Builder See example projects Financing pre-qualifier

Direct answer

A realistic cold storage schedule has five phases: concept and specification (3–6 weeks), supplier selection and contracting (4–8 weeks), equipment manufacture and lead time (12–24 weeks), construction and installation (12–30 weeks, partly parallel), and commissioning plus temperature validation (4–8 weeks). Compressors and insulated panels are almost always the critical path.

Frequently asked questions

What has the longest lead time in a cold storage project?

Industrial compressors and screw packs at 12–24 weeks, followed by insulated panels and doors. Order these first.

How long is commissioning?

Four to eight weeks including pull-down, temperature mapping, alarm testing and documentation for certification.

Can construction and manufacturing overlap?

Yes — civil works and the envelope usually run in parallel with equipment manufacture, saving 2–4 months versus a sequential schedule.

Next steps for your project