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Reefer Container News

31 Oct 2022

Reefers Riding Out Spot Rate Storm Better Than Dry Containers -Xeneta

© STOCKSTUDIO / Adobe Stock

Reefer spot rates are proving more resilient than dry container prices on exports from North Europe, with slow declines as opposed to dramatic drops. According to the latest market analysis from Oslo-based Xeneta, all main trades from the region have experienced falls over the past three months. However, unlike the dry market, the routes are still commanding higher rates than this point last year, pushing the reefer ‘premium’ over standard containers to new heights.Standing (relatively) strong â€œThis reefer spot rate market is clearly not in the same straits as its dry sibling


08 Dec 2021

TECH FILE: RIX Showcases "On-Vessel Hydrogen-on-Demand"

Photo courtesy RIX

RIX Industries is advocating on-vessel hydrogen-on-demand as the key to building momentum in decarbonization for the maritime industry. According to the company, which presented recently at an industry exhibition in New Orleans, its solution eliminates the complexities of high-pressure gas or cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage, hydrogen-on-demand transforms methanol to feed fuel cells as needed in a self-contained, small footprint system. “To capitalize on hydrogen’s promise as an on-vessel source of power


29 Apr 2021

TECH FILE: RIX Mobile Hydrogen Generation System for Marine Environments

Image courtesy RIX

RIX Industries offers a mobile hydrogen generation system, the M2H2-Series scalable family of Methanol-to-Hydrogen Power Systems, bringing green power to shipboard and marine environments. With the ability to generate hydrogen onboard and on demand, the RIX M2H2-Series also eliminates the heavy footprint of cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage. These highly efficient power systems provide marine shipbuilders and operators a readily available path away from environmentally damaging diesel-based propulsion systems.Available now


18 Nov 2019

CargoSmart Intros Connected Reefer Solution

CargoSmart, the provider of global shipment management software solutions, announced its brand-new CargoSmart Connected Reefer Solution, a one-stop reefer cargo management solution for ocean carriers and shippers.The AI and IoT-enabled solution features end-to-end information transparency, including enhanced reefer container Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) support, real-time container status monitoring updates, and predictive cargo arrival status. It allows carriers to offer best-in-class performance to shippers with lowered operating costs. COSCO SHIPPING recorded substantial in reefer container PTI costs after adopting the solution, while


19 Aug 2019

SCCT Announces Reefer Repair Hub

The Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT), strategically located at the mouth of the Suez Canal in Egypt, has announced its intention to open its reefer container inspection and repair hub to all brands. The terminal will also launch a dry container inspection and repair hub in October 2019.Until just over a year ago, the terminal faced unnecessary costs for moving and repositioning reefer containers with damaged panels or defects that hadn’t been recorded, said a press release from the APM Terminals, which holds majority stake in SCCT.Since it opened its reefer container inspection and repair hub for Maersk containers around a year ago, the terminal has inspected close to 30,000 reefers.

29 Aug 2018

Lomar's Super-Eco Boxships Mark Breakthrough for Thordon Bearings

Photo: Thordon Bearings

Delaware Trader, the first of two 2,700TEU newbuild containerships that China’s Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard is delivering to Lomar Shipping this year, has been fitted with a seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearing system from Thordon Bearings.The vessel represents another breakthrough for Thordon Bearings’ COMPAC seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearing system in the European-owned containership segment.London-headquartered Lomar Shipping, a privately-owned ship owning and management company


08 Aug 2018

Seaborne Reefer Trade Continues to Expand: Drewry

Despite moderating perishable seaborne trade growth, continued modal shift will sustain expansion in the containerised reefer trade and so support freight rate development, according to Drewry’s latest Reefer Shipping Annual Review and Forecast 2018/19 report, by global shipping consultancy Drewry.Global seaborne reefer trade continues to expand, posting a gain of over 5% in 2017 to 124 million tonnes, a big improvement on trend growth over the past 10 years of 3.6% a year. Underpinning this progress was strong growth in banana, meat and fish trades.Drewry estimates that containerised reefer traffic expanded by 8% in 2017, outpacing the growth in overall seaborne reefer trade.

26 Jan 2018

HMM Rolls Out ‘-60ºC Ultra-Freezer’ Service

South Korea's Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) announced that it started its first ‘Ultra-Freezer’ service from Busan, Korea to Barcelona, Spain, based on its rich experience in the high-tech reefer container service. Ultra-freezer service refers to transportation of goods in – 60ºC, which are above the limit of regular reefer containers (– 35ºC to -40ºC). High technology and skilled personnel are also needed in the ultra-freezer service, as ultra-freezer containers need to maintain the very low temperature during shifting, loading, and discharging process. Due to such reasons, freight rates of ultra-freezer service are 4 to 8 times higher than regular reefer containers.

25 Jan 2018

Drewry’s Global Reefer Freight Rate Index Up for Consecutive 4Q

Reefer trades have something of a reputation for volatility both in terms of volumes and freight rates, yet Drewry’s Global Reefer Freight Rate Index has recorded only increases over the last 12 months, even during off-peak seasons. “The recent wave of carrier consolidation, which will continue well into 2018, is having a direct impact on global market structure,” said Stijn Rubens, senior consultant at Drewry Supply Chain Advisors. “As shipping lines gradually regain control of prevailing freight rates, the markets are becoming increasingly tight with behaviours one would more commonly associate with oligopoly conditions. The recent drop in investment in reefer containers only lends further weight to our expectations of further rate increases during 2018,” Stijn added.

26 Sep 2017

Container Lines Speed up Their Assault on Reefer Cargo

Container shipping lines are increasing their share of the seaborne reefer market and are forecast to accelerate their assault over the coming years, according to the latest edition of the Reefer Shipping Market Review and Forecast 2017/18 published by global shipping consultancy Drewry. In 2016, the estimated perishable reefer cargo split was 79% in reefer containerships and 21% in specialised reefers. By 2021 this modal split is forecast to have changed to nearer 85% and 15% in reefer containerships and specialised reefers respectively. One interesting development in 2017 saw specialised reefer operator Seatrade team-up with CMA CGM to provide a 13-vessel reefer container service offering a weekly sailing between Europe and Australasia.

21 Jun 2017

Hamburg Süd Ugrades for Pharmaceutical Reefer Market

The transportation of pharmaceutical products in reefer equipment is subject to the particularly strict guidelines of the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) scheme. Hamburg Süd will be meeting the requirements with regard to calibration processes as of July and therefore be able to respond flexibly to corresponding customer wishes. The guidelines for GDP are specified by the World Health Organization as well as the European Commission. They stipulate that the temperature-regulating sensors of the reefer machinery not only monitor each other automatically, but also that calibration has to take place, and be documented, at regular intervals.

13 Jun 2017

Maersk Container Launches Cold Chain Energy Meter

Maersk Container Industry is introducing an energy meter with its Star Cool refrigerated containers. Star Cool refrigerated containers are now fitted with a new embedded digital feature that offers visibility and precise knowledge of actual energy consumption. To provide transparency into actual energy consumption throughout the transportation window, over land and sea, Maersk Container Industry (MCI) is introducing an energy meter feature integrated into all new Star Cool refrigerated containers. Maersk Line, the world’s largest container shipping company and part of Maersk’s Transport & Logistics division, became the first of MCI’s customers to take delivery of the new Star Cool reefers at the start of the year.

06 Apr 2017

Hamburg Süd on top in Performance Report

Hamburg Süd takes first place in the SeaIntel Global Liner Performance Report for the month of February 2017 in the category Schedule Reliability for the third time in succession. The company had already reached this top spot in December 2016 as well as January 2017. On the average for 2016, Hamburg Süd achieved second place among 20 container lines rated. “Hamburg Süd takes schedule reliability very serious. Our customers can rely on punctual delivery of their cargo. Within the value chain, this avoids, for instance, additional costs for expensive warehousing or production delays,” says Frank Smet, Member of the Executive Board of Hamburg Süd. Punctuality plays an important role, particularly in the transportation of perishable goods.

08 Feb 2017

Hamburg Süd Opens Dubai Office

Hamburg Süd has opened its first proprietary agency in the Middle East. On February 1 Hamburg Süd Shipping LLC commenced operations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The company-owned agency coordinates Hamburg Süd’s business in the Persian Gulf and has taken over all the tasks and activities for commercial operations as well as container logistics from the long-standing local agency partner Inchcape Shipping Services LLC. Vessel and customs clearance in the Ports of Jebel Ali and Khor Fakkan will continue to be handled by Inchcape Shipping Services. Several of Hamburg Süd’s liner services connect the Middle East with the shipping company’s global network. One of the key commodity sectors in which Hamburg Süd is strong in the region is the transport of temperature-controlled cargo.

05 Jan 2017

New Reefer Ship Makes Maiden Call to US

M.V. Seatrade Red calls at the Canaveral Cargo Terminal at Port Canaveral in Florida. (Photo: GT USA)

GT USA welcomed to the Canaveral Cargo Terminal (CCT) the M.V. Seatrade Red on its maiden call to the United States. The 607-foot M.V. Seatrade Red, a specialized reefer container vessel with a capacity of 2,259 TEUs and 674 reefer plugs, was built at China’s Yangfan Shipyard and officially launched in May 2016 as one of Seatrade Group’s four new Colour Class vessels. On November 20, Joe Cruise, commercial manager of GT USA; and Alberto Cabrera, senior director, Cargo Sales, Canaveral Port Authority marked the vessel call by presenting commemorative plaques to Captain S. Poryadin of the M.V.

21 Dec 2016

NYK Holds 10th Environmental Management Conference

On November 30 at NYK’s 10th annual Environmental Management Conference in Tokyo, Asahi Unyu Kaisha Ltd. (head office: Aichi; president and CEO: Toshiya Kozawa) and the GENEQ Corporation (head office: Fukuoka; president: Keiji Ushiyama) were selected from among 33 domestic NYK Group companies for recognition of environmental activities that resulted in the improvement of company value. NYK holds this conference once a year with NYK Group companies to share information on environmental practices and strengthen environmental management. The two recognized group companies were highly commended for their rooted activities within their communities and creative solutions. Details are provided below.

28 Sep 2016

Maersk Line Orders 14,800 New Reefer Containers

File photo: Maersk Line

Maersk Line has ordered 14,800 new reefer containers in 2016, driving the average age of its 270,000 unit reefer container fleet down to 7.9 years. Part of the reefers replace older equipment, and add to the 30,000 reefers acquired by Maersk Line in 2015. “We continue to invest and modernize our reefer fleet to include the latest technologies in supply chain visibility and cargo care,” said Shereen Zarkani, Head of Reefer Management, Maersk Line. The new reefers feature built-in Remote Container Management (RCM) technology


27 Aug 2016

Maersk Line's Innovative Smart Reefers

Have you heard about Maersk Line's smart reefers that can listen and talk? Cutting edge technology that reduces risk in customer supply chain, claims Maersk Line. "We’re always looking for ways to improve cargo care on behalf of our customers. As the world’s biggest container shipping company, we play an important role in cold chains all over the world, and our care means your cargo has a safe passage from field to fridge," says a statement in the company website. Innovation is a key element for us in the quest to ensure that the goods arrive in the exact condition intended. "One of our new developments is called Remote Container Management (RCM), which turns the reefer container into a digitally connected device," says the company.

09 Aug 2016

Maersk Line's RCM for Shipping Refrigerated Goods

Shipping refrigerated goods? Maersk Line's Remote Container Management ensures the ideal environment for your shipment, claims the company. " We’re always looking for ways to improve cargo care on behalf of our customers. We play an important role in cold chains all over the world, and our care means your cargo has a safe passage from field to fridge," says the company website. The world’s biggest container shipping company claims that innovation is a key element for it in its quest to ensure that the goods arrive in the exact condition intended. RCM lets the shipper monitor the temperature and humidity in the container, enables it to handle alarms remotely, complete faster pre-trip inspections, and much more.

23 Jun 2016

Maersk Line's Remote Control Management

One of Maersk Line's  innovations turns the reefer container into a digitally connected device! "At Maersk Line, we’re always looking for ways to improve cargo care on behalf of our customers. As the world’s biggest container shipping company, we play an important role in cold chains all over the world, and our care means your cargo has a safe passage from field to fridge," says a statement from Maersk Line. "Innovation is a key element for us in our quest to ensure that your goods arrive in the exact condition intended. RCM lets us monitor the temperature and humidity in the container, enables us to handle alarms remotely, complete faster pre-trip inspections, and much more.

17 Nov 2015

NYK Orders 5,500 Reefer FEUs

NYK has placed an order for 5,500 technologically advanced 40-foot refrigerated (reefer) containers, which are more efficient and reliable than older equipment. Delivery of the new units has already commenced.   This strategic investment will ensure that NYK continues to operate one of the newest and most competitive reefer container fleets in the liner industry.   The new order includes 700 Controlled Atmosphere (CA) containers. The advanced technology of these CA units ensures that the quality and freshness of perishable agricultural products, such as fruits and vegetables, is maintained during long ocean transits.  The CA technology regulates not only the temperature within the reefer unit but also the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

20 Oct 2015

APM Terminals Moin Bullish on Reefers

APM Terminals is preparing an expansion of the Moin Terminal in Costa Rica's cooling export facilities. Six new STS cranes and 29 RTG cranes to operate the deep water port of Moin Container Terminal, which opens in 2018. The Port of Moin is 18 meters deep docks. Larger container ships with increased cooling capacity can then enter Costa Rica directly. Costa Rica's Port Limon-Moin is ranked as the 13th largest in Latin America and fourth in Central America with a container volume of 1.09 million TEUs in 2014. Over the next 15 years is expected reefer container shipments from Costa Rica to increase from approximately 300,000 to 600.000 TEU. APM Terminals Moin will allocate 60-70 percent of the terminal's capacity of cold storage to cope with the expected growth.

14 Oct 2015

Black Market Refrigerants Pose Risk to Shippers

Svenn Jacobsen

In 2011, several refrigerated, reefer containers exploded, killing three port workers. While there has been no further tragedies since then, counterfeit refrigerants remain in circulation and still represent a safety risk. Counterfeit refrigerant cylinders can consist of a dangerously unstable cocktail of gases, blended to roughly mimic the most common refrigerant, R-134a. These cylinders are often loaded with rogue gases such as R-40. Though similar to R-134a, R-40 reacts with aluminium to form trimethylaluminum, a highly volatile substance that, when exposed to air, can explode.

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