Reefer containers are, simply put, large fridges carried by containerships to move temperature-sensitive goods such as ice-cream, meat or vegetables. Reefer containers maintain the cargo at the required temperature (usually between -30°C and +30°C) for the duration of the transit either in chilled, frozen or controlled temperature.

Refrigerated containers (which is what the term “Reefer” stands for) come in different sizes and technology, but nearly all of them are twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) – the standard size for shipping containers.

The demand for reefer container grew a lot during the past year’s and its success story is far from being over, so we provide you with basic knowledge on how reefer containers work, temperature control, atmosphere control and future market development.

How do reefer containers work?

Reefer containers are bottom air delivery units designed to distribute chilled air from the floor, via specific T-shaped decking.

They allow a consistent and uniform supply of air across the entire shipment and ensure a perfect air exchange with the goods.

A Genset (or generator) is usually attached to a reefer and provides the container with cooling/ electricity. It is a combination of a fuel-powered and electric powered generator because it is used on both transportations overseas and on the road by a truck.

Refrigerated units can maintain or lower the temperature of your shipment, even in the most difficult conditions.

When people think about such containers they usually think about cooling goods – but most people forget (or don’t know) that reefers can also maintain temperatures up to 30°C when required. It’s important to mention that reefer units are not designed to reduce the temperature of its goods! They only maintain the pre-cooled cargo temperature for the time of transport. 

Reefer temperature control for frozen and chilled cargo

Internal air circulation is essential for maintaining prescribed temperatures in reefer containers, therefore temperature-controlled air is constantly circulated throughout the cargo space.

The airflow inside a reefer container is affected by the type of packaging and the mode of stuffing.

There’re different requirements for each commodity in reefer cargo movement, but usually, we separate chilled from frozen cargo to control temperatures (achieved through return air).

In the case of chilled cargo, the air has to flow through the cargo so that heat and gases are removed and cartons used should have ventilation.

This is because heat within the container is not only generated from the outside but may also be produced by the cargo itself.

The respiration process of fresh fruits and vegetables, for instance, require airflow both around the commodity ad throughout the load to remove respiratory heat, water and gases such as carbon dioxide.

In the case of frozen cargo, the air has to flow around the cargo so there are no gaps between the cargo and the walls and the cargo itself.

Only the heat that penetrates the insulation from the outside plus the heat of the fan motors have to be removed since no heat has to be dissipated from the cargo itself.

Ongoing atmosphere control and fresh-air circulation

Atmosphere control and fresh-air circulation are especially important for most fruits and vegetables because they continually respire and produce gases such as carbon dioxide and ethylene.

These respiratory gases can lead to cargo damage such as uncontrolled ripening, ageing and off-flavour and therefore have to be removed from the container atmosphere.

That’s why every Reefer is equipped with fresh air ventilation that removes gases from the container to avoid cargo damage and uncontrolled ripening, ageing and off-flavour.

Humidity control equipment “opens and closes” the container automatically in order to release any excess water that might accumulate inside the box and drains prevent outside water from entering.

The relative humidity of the air inside a reefer container can be specifically important in the transport and storage of chilled goods.

Dry air may cause desiccation of fresh fruit and vegetables, which can affect the appearance and will certainly reduce the weight at the point of sale.

To make sure the humidity is exactly right, data loggers are being used that monitor supply air temperature, return air temperature, ambient temperature and humidity level continuously due to remote modems.

Tips on Reefer Cargo Stowage

• Optimal temperature and ventilation levels should be maintained in the container
• Cargo shouldn’t be stowed above the red line
• The weight of the cargo should be evenly distributed and bound to stay together
• The weight of the cargo should stay under the road limitations in the countries through which it is transported
• Dehumidification controls need to be inspected
• Ventilation setting should be set according to the cargo loaded
• Cargo needs to be pre-cooled if necessary
• Make sure there are no restrictions for airflow and any gaps through the pallets or doors need to be sealed for proper air circulation.

Reefer Pre-Trip Inspections (PTI) explained

A Reefer Pre-Trip Inspection is actually an extensive check of both the container and the machinery prior to transportation.

It ensures that the reefer machinery is running properly at correct settings (for its goods) and that the container is clean and undamaged.

Specific sequences during PTA for reefer containers vary a little bit among shipping companies, but basically, they include the following checks:

Before power on:

• General inspection (Ensure unit and components are free from physical damage and are not missing (Box, Contactors, Cable, Plug, Compressor, Loosen wire, etc.)
• Check Cleanliness: No extra labels, Cargo Debris/Remnants, etc.
• Check Refrigerant and Lubricant
• Inspect Partlow: Ensure chart drive is rewound and the battery level is in range
• Check electric insulation value (compressor, motors, heaters)

After power on:

Ensure phase correction contractors are in function (Measure and record voltage)

Check of serviceability of engine:

• Ensure no abnormal noises components
• Ensure fan and blower are in a proper direction
• Initiate LPPP (CFII), FPT (Smart), LPP (MHI), AutoPTI (Microlink) or FPTI(MPC)
• Detect proper working unit at reaching set-point
• Calibrate sensors and Partlow element

Preset temperature setting to –18°C:

• Initiate and check that the unit goes into manual defrost and complete cycle
• Check cleanliness of drains
• Record oil level directly after defrost
• Upon temperature reach, to –18°C and unit is running in full cool

Measure compressor pressure:

• Measure currents (Compressor, Cond. Fan motor, Evap. Motor, heater)
• Detect proper working unit at reaching set-point –18°C check the Freon level
• Set temp to 0°C and run – Switch off upon reaching 0°C temp
• Upon unit reaching to 0°C, record and calibrate sensors and Partlow element

Reefer Containers market development

“Global seaborne reefer trade continues to expand, posting a gain of over 5% in 2017 to 124 million tonnes, a big improvement in trend growth over the past 10 years of 3.6% a year.” (Source: Drewry https://www.drewry.co.uk/news/news/reefer-container-trade-expansion-to-support-freight-rates)

Containerised reefer traffic even outpaced the growth in overall seaborne reefer trade with 8% in 2017. Despite broader weakness in container logistics in 2018, reefer rates have held up in rose by 3%.

Robert Sappio, CEO of SEACUBE, gave an interview about future market development for reefer containers to the Maritime Executive. According to him, a growing population, continued prosperity, embracing technology, pharmaceuticals and a shift to leasing are great chances for the market. Only the lag of production, geopolitical risks and cybersecurity concerns are the challenges market participants face in his opinion.

Looking for Reefer Container to Buy or Lease? 

We have good news for you! As we operate the biggest online platform for buying, selling and leasing reefer containers we have 300+ certified partners available for you around the world.

You just type in your pick-up location and the algorithm shows you available matches. The marketplace is 100% transparent. This means that you know exactly who you are doing business with, and there are no added commission fees.

With the process support and through features such as payment handling or container tracking we make sure that working with new partners around the world is not only fun but also safe.

Source: www.container-xchange.com