Reefers

In most ports, terminal automation primarily focuses on container handling while the monitoring of individual containers is done manually. Monitoring is key in keeping the temperature of perishables at the right levels, but it is a very labor-intensive job as the temperature setting and monitoring are…

Following the release of its eleventh annual reefer analysis, Dynamar Shipping Information and Consultancy indicates that worldwide volumes of refrigerated trade reached a new high of 169.2 million tons in 2019, according to provisional figures, indicating a growth rate of just below 2% when compared to…

Dole Food Company has ordered 500 energy-efficient Star Cool reefer units from Maersk Container Industry (MCI), which, in co-operation with the leasing company Textainer, is expected to deliver the boxes in January 2021.

The units will be enhanced with Star Cool’s smart fresh air control system AV+, a solution that reduces energy consumption. Star Cool units can control the speed of the reefer compressor to match the specific cooling demands of the cargo and therefore perform at the highest level of both precision and energy efficiency, according to a MCI statement.

Dole will pick up the new reefers with their own container vessel newbuilding Dole Maya from the port of Qingdao in China.

It's one of the biggest logistical challenges in modern history: How will millions of Covid-19 vaccine doses that must be kept at incredibly cold temperatures be quickly shipped across continents and oceans?

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced a temporary end to bookings of food-related commodities bound for the Port of Huangpu, located in China's southern Guangdong province and operated by the Guangzhou Port Group.

ONE has taken this action due to stricter customs inspections and disinfection requirements for food import commodities (including but not limited to meat, seafood, dairy, fruits and vegetables), which has slowed down inbound reefer container pick-up activity at Huangpu port in southern China causing congestion.

The decision was effective from yesterday, 26 November, according to a company statement.

For containers in transit, the Singaporean line has suggested its customers consider a change of destination to alternative ports, especially for time-sensitive cargoes such as fresh and chilled commodities.

MSC has published a letter to its customer, stating that test procedures related to import reefer cargo has slowed down the operations in the port of Xingang, China. Below is the letter in full. "Dear Customer, The COVID test procedures related to import reefer cargo are slowing down the operations in…

European reefer rates are seeing upward pressure with some major lines announcing significant increases, for reefer cargo in particular, but also for standard freight containers too.

CMA CGM has unveiled the largest peak season surcharge (PSS) of US$600 per reefer box from North Europe, Baltic, Scandinavia and Poland to Middle East Gulf, Red Sea, India and Pakistan, effective from 1 December.

On the same date, Hapag-Lloyd will apply a PSS of US$200/reefer container from Spain, Italy and Morocco to Canada and the US on its Mediterranean Canada Service (MCA) service.

Additionally, the German carrier has also announced an increased ocean tariff rate for all cargoes in 20’ and 40’ standard containers on the east bound trade from Spain and Italy to East Asia.

Valid for sailings commencing on 1 December onwards and until further notice, Hapag-Lloyd’s rates from Spain and Italy to East Asia will be:

In the meantime, the French shipping group will implement another PSS on 3 December. This surcharge will apply for all cargo types (except out of gauge) from Italy to Central America East & West Coasts, Mexico West Coast, the Caribbean & Winwards (Puerto Rico & Cuba excluded) and will be €50 (US$60)/20' | €75 (US$90)/40'.

Carrier Transicold has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing emissions, improving sustainability and increasing efficiency across the refrigerated transport sector with the launch of the first fully autonomous, all-electric engineless refrigerated trailer system, the Vector® eCool™. Carrier Transicold is…

25 years ago, Maersk Container Industry (MCI) introduced the company’s first refrigerated container, paving the way for two and a half decades of transportation of perishable goods across the world in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way than ever before. Today, MCI not only focuses on the…

In refrigerated containers the chilled air often short circuits, not keeping the fresh produce at the desired temperature. “Cold air is lazy, it takes the path of least resistance,” explains Barry Hugo, managing director at Dunlash South Africa and Refrigerated Air Flow Technologies (RAFT).  This challenge…

In refrigerated containers the chilled air often short circuits, not keeping the fresh produce at the desired temperature. “Cold air is lazy, it takes the path of least resistance,” explains Barry Hugo, managing director at Dunlash South Africa and Refrigerated Air Flow Technologies (RAFT).  This challenge…

Growth in seaborne perishable cargo slowed in 2019 but is forecast to better weather the COVID-19 induced economic storm than the dry cargo trade given the broader resilience of the food supply chain. Meanwhile, availability of refrigerated container equipment is forecast to tighten as buoyant trade and…

For over 40 years ,TBV Kühlfahrzeuge LLC has been an established manufacturer and dealer of refrigerated transport units for the food industry. The main sales area has always been southern Germany, but thanks to an extensive network of national and international partners, the innovative solutions are now…

Despite the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain, the transportation of perishable goods is set to grow in 2020 as plant-based diets become popular, demand for high vitamin products increases and the Chinese meat market picks up. Considering this, refrigerated (reefer) shipping could become one of the…

Cooling systems inside shipping containers are vital for keeping produce fresh during their journey across the world but often the cold air isn’t distributed evenly, which can lead to the creation of hot spots inside the containers. Ronald Hagenstein, Otflow® CEO, explains: “These hot spots increase the…

Reefer containers are gradually replacing refrigerated vessels in maritime transportation. It seems almost to be law; something everyone just knows. Yet, there’s an exception to the rule. Twenty years ago, Joris Bakker started a charter service. In the years to come, it quietly stole away a considerable…

At the end of 2019, it appeared as though a storm was brewing for the conventional reefer market; little did the market know that a storm was brewing for the entire shipping industry. While rumours and a limited amount of news stories were circulating in China in regards to the Sars-Cov 2 virus, few…

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has expanded its reefer fleet with an additional 500 Star Cool reefers, this time upgraded with Controlled Atmosphere (CA), supporting ZIM’s growth in new markets for perishable cargo. This is the fourth consecutive order from ZIM for Maersk Container Industry and it…

Despite the difficult conditions following COVID-19, the Port of Antwerp achieved very strong growth in the volume of reefer containers for perishables during the first quarter. The exceptional volumes are the result of the port's growing role in the reefer market and increased demand for healthy food…