APL: Refrigerated Container Fleet Safe

press release November 2, 2011

Shipping line takes extra measures to prevent mishaps.

Global container shipping line APL today declared its refrigerated container fleet safe and announced new precautions to prevent equipment mishaps. The declaration followed reports this week from competitors that at least four of their refrigerated containers exploded during 2011. “We have reviewed our inspection records and procedures and are fully confident that our refrigerated containers are safe and in cargo-worthy condition,” said Eric Eng, Vice President of APL’s Global Refrigerated Trade. “But to allay concerns, we are adding new requirements, stepping up our inspection program and strengthening maintenance procedures.”

APL said the measures include:

Ensuring that refrigerant used in all its reefer containers meets the specifications of equipment manufacturers;
Grounding approximately 100 refrigerated boxes for detailed inspection; and
Placing new restrictions on where the containers can undergo refrigerant system repair.

APL operates more than 50,000 refrigerated containers. The carrier said there have been no explosions or other catastrophic malfunctions in its fleet. According to reports, at least two other shipping lines have reported refrigerated container explosions this year. One report identified contaminated refrigerant gas as a probable cause. Accounts traced the faulty containers to specific repair vendors in Vietnam where all had undergone maintenance. APL said it does not use those vendors and added that it has a strict monitoring program to ensure compliance with safe-handling procedures and the use of authorized refrigerants. As a precaution, APL said it is restricting refrigeration system repair work to a smaller number of certified providers. It is taking out of service all 103 boxes that underwent refrigeration system repairs in Vietnam during 2011.

APL said it will continue to conduct pre-trip inspections of refrigerated containers. Inspections include plugging in refrigerated units before dispatching to customers. The boxes are monitored during that time to ensure safe operation.