MSC ADDS OVER 5,000 STAR COOL CA UNITS TO FURTHER EXPAND ITS REEFER FLEET

Controlled Atmosphere technology slows the ripening of fruit and thus extend its shelf-life. By integrating the Star Cool refrigeration unit directly into the container, MSC is providing a more efficient solution without sacrificing strength or reliability.

People around the world are increasingly seeking a healthy lifestyle. Fresh fruit and vegetables are an important contributor, with the added benefit of a delicious taste.

As a result, the total global fruit trade market has grown by an average of 40% over the last ten years to 63 million tons, underpinned by Asia’s rapidly expanding middle classes, according to data from Fruit & Vegetable Facts.

MSC is a world leader in meeting that demand through its reefer cargo services. With over 1.8 million TEU annual reefer shipments in 2019, it is continually investing in the best-refrigerated transport solutions for all kinds of fruit and vegetables – and is now adding over 5,000 Star Cool units using Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology.

Effective and efficient

CA is an active process to regulate atmosphere composition to extend the shelf-life, maintain the appearance, freshness and quality of perishable products such as stone fruit, apple, avocado, lettuce and persimmon. It does this by slowing the natural ripening process by reducing oxygen concentration and increasing the carbon dioxide.

Star Cool CA is based on the concept of an effective, simple and low-energy CA system that is built into the Star Cool Integrated Reefer. By integrating the refrigeration unit directly into the container box, MSC can offer an advanced solution that weighs less, carries more and consumes less energy, without sacrificing strength or reliability. In a conventional reefer, there is a high level of heat transfer via the double frames of machinery and container. Integrating Star Cool eliminates this thermal bridging, resulting in reduced heat leakage and improved energy efficiency.

MSC is also installing StarConomy control software on its entire Star Cool fleet, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%. With investments like this, MSC ensures its reefer fleet is up-to-date and sustainable, and ready for any forthcoming regulatory changes around emissions.

Helping fruits shippers reach new destinations

Not only MSC has responded to the booming market for fresh fruit and vegetables by continuously investing in reefer technologies but the company also plays a key role in maximising the shelf-life and quality of the agricultural produce it transports, thus helping its customers expand their business by bringing cargo to distant markets in perfect condition.

Honeywell announces new alternative to R134a refrigerant

Honeywell has revealed details of its new lower GWP refrigerant replacement for R134a in new medium temperature commercial refrigeration, chillers and heat pumps. 

Solstice N15, designated R515B by ASHRAE, is an A1 non-flammable refrigerant blend with a GWP of just 293 under AR4. 

A blend of R1234ze (91.1%) and R227ea (8.9%), R515B is said to have zero glide and low discharge temperatures with an efficiency to match R134a. 

R515B is designed for new equipment and is not a retrofit product for existing systems. Honeywell lists its applications as remote condensing units, supermarket multiplex systems, stand-alone units, medium temperature side of cascade systems, flooded systems and high ambient air conditioning.

It has already been approved for use by Danfoss in its new Turbocor TG490 compressor for air- and water-cooled chiller applications.

The blend’s component R227ea is little used as a refrigerant due to its very high GWP of 3220. It is used here in a small proportion to suppress the mild flammability of the low GWP HFO R1234ze. While R1234ze is classified as an A2L refrigerant, it is only flammable above 30°C. EN 378, which is harmonised with the EU PED directive, does not recognise R1234ze as a hazardous substance, but as a PED group 2 fluid. 

R227ea was originally introduced to replace the CFC R114 and as a zero ODP alternative for the fire suppressant Halon 1301. It is also used in metered dose inhalers and in some foam blowing applications.

Carrier Transicold Introduces Micro-Link® 5 Controller, Industry’s First Container Refrigeration Unit Controller with Wireless Connection Capability

Carrier makes a move in telematics

Shipping line personnel can now monitor and access container refrigeration unit operations from a smartphone or tablet, thanks to Carrier Transicold’s new Micro-Link® 5 controller, the industry’s first container refrigeration unit controller with wireless connection capability for improved visibility, diagnostics, convenience and productivity. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.

The Micro-Link 5 controller allows personnel to interface with refrigerated containers via Carrier Transicold’s new DataLINE Connect™ app for mobile devices without any physical contact with the refrigeration unit itself. That means operators standing dockside or on a ship deck can securely monitor temperature readings, check alerts, review diagnostics and download data from nearby Carrier Transicold refrigerated containers, even if the containers are stacked high above. The DataLINE Connect app provides information-rich, intuitive displays so operators can quickly and easily see and respond to relevant container information.

                                                               Microlink5

Wireless connectivity, while a key benefit of the new controller, is just one of several advances over Carrier Transicold’s standard Micro-Link 3 controller, which has long been an industry workhorse. The new controller features a 32-bit ARM processor that is 150 times faster than its predecessor, has twice as many inputs/outputs, enabling the use of additional sensors and significantly expanding its range of capabilities, and offers a port for direct data exchange for software updates and data downloads using a USB flash drive or direct PC connection. Significantly, the Micro-Link 5 offers expanded memory for data storage and programming – up to 2,000 times more than the current product.

The Micro-Link 5 controller’s optional back-up battery offers another industry first: the application of “smart battery” technology – commonly found on smartphones today – to container refrigeration unit control. The rechargeable smart battery has the ability to prioritize operations based on charge level. For instance, if the charge level is low, it will maintain critical USDA sensor data recording and disable nonessential activities. The smart battery also indicates charge level and remaining service life, helping users get maximum use from a battery, rather than prematurely replacing it.

“This represents a major leap in visibility, accessibility and functionality compared to traditional controls,” said Willy Yeo, director of marketing, Carrier Transicold. “Wireless technology enables greater and more convenient customer access to their container refrigeration systems for greater productivity. The Micro-Link 5 controller offers the potential to support more features and digital offerings.”

While it encompasses multiple advances and new features, the Micro-Link 5 controller uses the same external display and keypad as Carrier Transicold’s standard controller, to ensure familiar manual configuration. The new controller is designed for improved serviceability over its predecessor, with features such as more convenient positioning of connector ports and better self-diagnostics that provide a higher level of detail for technicians when troubleshooting alarm conditions.

The Micro-Link 5 controller is now available in limited production as a premium upgrade for Carrier Transicold container refrigeration equipment.

Source- www.transicold.carrier.com

ONE further expands refrigerated container fleet

ONE further expands refrigerated container fleet.

                              Credit : ONE

Ocean Network Express (ONE) is expanding its current refrigerated container (reefer) fleet of 240,000 TEU by adding another 6000 (40” HC) units, including 500 units equipped with advanced Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology which slows down the respiration and ripening process to maximize the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. These reefer containers will be made available for accepting new bookings towards end of the year to meet reefer peak season global demand around the world.

ONE has one of the largest, state of the art reefer fleet in the world, equipped with the most advanced technologies designed to handle perishable cargo demand. With this new investment of 6000 reefer units, coming on the heels of last year’s industry leading procurement of 14,000 units, ONE demonstrates its strong commitment to meet growing demand for containerized reefer trade, which remains strongly augmented by expansion of middle class in Asia constantly demanding healthy food choices. In 2019 so far, the growth in global refrigerated container trade has outperformed the growth in global container trade and ONE expects the growth momentum to be maintained for remaining months of the year.

ONE is currently working towards the application of latest IoT technology into its fleet of reefer containers which allows real time visibility of critical information such as temperature, humidity inside the container, thereby enhancing value chain proposition of perishable trade.

Jun Shibata, Senior Vice President of Strategic Yield Management, commented:

“ONE is committed to provide our customers with the best in class capabilities to ship your perishables to meet growing demands and opportunities to broaden to new markets. We continuously explore new technologies in refrigerated container segment to improve the service value proposition for our customers dealing with perishable cargos.”

ONE’s Global reefer strategy The Global Reefer Business Planning team (GRBP), based at ONE’s HQ in Singapore, develops ONE’s global reefer marketing and business strategy through close monitoring of market demand and closely collaborating with the regional reefer steering desks located in different parts of the world.

ONE’s Reefer technical team is available on board and on shore to provide round the clock assistance when required. We continue to provide higher quality and more competitive services for our valued customers.

History of temperature controlled Container in Hamburg Sud.

The “Polarstern” was equipped with the most cutting-edge automated cooling equipment of its day. However, the real attention grabber during the photo session on its maiden voyage were two king penguins.

Bananas about cold transports

With Remote Container Management (RCM), Hamburg Süd offers its customers the latest state-of-the-art reefer technology. But the company already started transporting temperature-sensitive goods from South America to Europe around 120 years ago.

It was in 1900 that the “Cap Roca” first steamed across the Atlantic to Europe carrying a few clusters of bananas in a small cold store. At the time, this fruit was still a luxury good in Europe. However, around 30 years later, demand for fruit from South America had already risen so sharply that more Cap-class cargo and passenger steamers were partially converted for refrigerated transport. In the 1950s, Cap-class ships were deployed for the express service between Europe and South America. These vessels boasted cold storage rooms with a loading volume of 150,000 cubic feet – this is equivalent to a volume of 63 of today’s 40' high cube reefer containers.

Beginning in 1961, Hamburg Süd also used the legendary Cap San ships for refrigerated transports. The series of six newbuildings were nicknamed the “white swans of the South Atlantic” on account of their particularly elegant lines. But what really made these vessels exceptional were their cold storage rooms with a combined volume of 250,000 cubic feet – an enormous size for that time. Depending on the cargo, the temperature in these compartments could be individually adjusted to between –20 and +15 degrees Celsius (ca. –4 and +60 degrees Fahrenheit).

As from 1964, Hamburg Süd further expanded its transport capacities for temperature-sensitive cargo with the “Polarlicht” and the “Polarstern.” With six additional Polar-class newbuildings in 1967, it finally rose to become the European shipping company with the largest refrigerated hold capacity. The first refrigerated containers arrived in the late 1960s. Hamburg Süd’s first fully containerized ship, the “Columbus New Zealand,” set new international standards for reefer transports when it entered into service in 1971. With slots for 553 refrigerated containers, the ship could transport almost 300,000 boxes of bananas across the Atlantic – or twelve times as many as the “Cap Arcona” once could.

In addition to demand for refrigerated transports, the related quality requirements have also steadily increased over the decades. Today, innovative technologies, such as Controlled Atmosphere (CA), ensure that the conditions in refrigerated containers precisely correspond to the requirements of the respective cargo. In addition to being monitored and documented, all data will soon also be accessible in real time during transport thanks to Remote Container Management  (RCM). This development was of course unforeseeable around 120 years ago, when Hamburg Süd first entered refrigerated shipping with the “Cap Roca.”

Hapag-Lloyd launches remote reefer monitoring system.

Hapag-Lloyd has become the latest container carrier to outfit its fleet of reefer containers with real-time monitoring technology.

The German carrier announced at the Transport Logistic exhibition, which began opened today in Munich, that it was to begin equipping its fleet of 100,000 reefer units with its Hapag-Lloyd LIVE system that employs IoT technology.

It added that as he programme is rolled out across its reefer fleet, shippers using dry contaienrs may also request the technology.

“With our corporate ‘Strategy 2023’, we have set ourselves the goal of becoming number one for quality. Customers expect more reliable supply chains, so the industry needs to change and invest sufficiently. It is imperative that we understand and fulfil our customers’ needs faster than our competitors,” said Juan Carlos Duk, managing director of global commercial development at Hapag-Lloyd.

“Inviting our customers to further shape our real-time monitoring products right from the beginning will give them an opportunity to receive products that are tailor-made for their needs – while giving us a chance to deliver the best-possible service at the same time,” he added.

The reefer technology has been provided by transport technology company Globe Tracker, which has developed an end-to-end remote reefer monitoring technology.

“We are honoured to have been chosen by Hapag-Lloyd because of our innovative strength and ability to provide a world-class cold chain visibility solution. We are extremely impressed with the rigorous detail, focus, diligence and high quality of their selection process, and could not be more pleased with the result,” said Jákup Lamhauge, CEO of Globe Tracker.

Meanwhile, the connectivity between vessels, inland distribution modes, terminals and the carrier’s headquarters and shippers has been provided by Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson – the latter was a key partner in the development of Maersk’s remote container management programme.

Hapag-Lloyd said the commercial features of the system would be “gradually released for use as the entire reefer fleet is being outfitted”.

Latest Hapag-Lloyd order for new reefers will lift its fleet strength above 100,000

Hapag-Lloyd has a placed an order 13,420 new reefer containers – its largest ever.

The carrier’s order is  for 12,450 40ft reefers and  970 specialised 20ft units, with construction due to begin this month, the first units being delivered by November.

They will lift the line’s reefer fleet above 100,000 units and coincide with the beginning of the Latin America fruit export season – particularly blueberries, cherries and avocados – but are also likely to be used for transporting fish and meat.

Niklas Ohling, senior director container steering at Hapag-Lloyd, said: “With this new order, we will be expanding our transport capacities for our customers. They will now have at their disposal over 100,000 state-of-the-art refrigerated containers with a total capacity of 210,000 teu, some of which will be equipped with the latest controlled atmosphere technology, which slows the ripening process during transport, thereby extending the shelf life of fruit and vegetables.”

Mr Ohling added that the new units would be fitted with the emerging internet of things technology that monitors the condition of the reefer while in transit and relays shipment information to shippers under the Hapag-Lloyd LIVE platform.

“In recent years, we have continuously invested in the expansion and modernisation of the reefer fleet. We have consolidated our leading position in this market segment and can offer our customers outstanding quality in the transport of temperature-sensitive goods on all trade routes,” Mr Ohling added.

A company spokesman declined to disclose with which container manufacturer the order had been placed. In October, Hapag-Lloyd’s previous record reefer order – for 8,600 units – was placed with Maersk’s reefer manufacturing subsidiary, Maersk Container Industry (MCI).

At the beginning of this year, MCI announced it was quitting the dry box building business to focus exclusively on reefers, which command far higher prices.