Container Demand, A Boost For Indian Makers

 

An acute shortage of marine containers since October 2020 due to a global equipment imbalance has severely affected Indian trade. However, it has also come as a blessing in disguise for it has led to an awakening — both in the government and in the trade — on the need for India to aggressively restart container manufacturing locally and be less dependent on China, which has a monopoly with over 90 per cent market share globally.

Local container manufacturing is also critical for the success of Centre’s AatmaNirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) programme.

Container manufacturing is not new to India. As containerisation started to flourish two decades ago, Indian companies manufactured them locally. However, the momentum fizzled out as Chinese companies gained dominance due to cheap labour, availability of abundant raw material and the ability to scale quickly — all of which were largely missing in India.

But action is now being taken — albeit a bit late — to revive local container manufacturing. Earlier this month, Container Corporation of India (Concor) placed orders for 1,000 containers each from Braithwaite & Company Ltd and Public Sector undertaking BHEL. Concor, which earlier always sourced containers from China, discovered that locally made containers were cheaper by about 25 per cent. Each container costs about ₹2.5 lakh. It is looking to source more from within India.

There are reports that Gujarat government is exploring a plan to make Bhavnagar a hub for container manufacturing.

Bijoy Paulose, Managing Director of the Chennai-based VS&B Containers, said the company annually procures around 4,000 boxes, and all from China. India once had container manufacturers such as Balmer Lawrie (Chennai and Kochi); DCM Hyundai (Chennai); Nathaniel and Transfreight (Mumbai) and HIM Containers (Kolkata). However, these companies all shut down 10-20 years ago. Only DCM is doing local containers in Delhi, he added.

China has a monopoly and can quickly undercut the prices and squeeze the Indian initiative unless the government looks at serious intervention to prevent dumping. There is an annual demand for nearly 4,000 boxes in India. India now has raw materials such as Corten steel needed for the manufacture of these containers. However, 25 years ago even screws were imported, he added.

In the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, local production will benefit the domestic trade during any future disruption, said Sai Krishna, Assistant Vice President, ICRA Ltd, an investment information and credit rating agency. However, matching China on the costs will be a challenge for Indian container manufacturers, he added.

The government can help by providing exemptions for manufacturers on key inputs such as steel or steel scrap. The key to success will be to build scale, else on the cost front the initiative might not take off, he said.

According to Sunil Vaswani, Executive Director, Container Shipping Lines Association (India), the limited access to available containers is driving up the buying price of new containers since manufacturers charge a premium due to the high demand.

A relaxation of 40.8 per cent import duty after 18 per cent GST on Corten steel and/or suspension of iron ore exports will help Indian container manufacturers. Favourable policy framework, cost/price competitiveness and quality will boost the business. This would not only help India become self-reliant in the sector but also give the world another option — which would help during the peak demand months of the year — for sourcing of containers, so far largely restricted to China.
Source: The Hindu Business Line

#maersk #container #shipping #reefer #teu #madeinindia #

India looks to enter container manufacturing

 

India is looking to enter the container manufacturing sector in a big way as the country aims to boost its exports.

Container manufacturing is expected to be part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat programme, which is a vision for India envisaged by prime minister Narendra Modi to make India a self-reliant nation. Under the program, five pillars were outlined – economy, infrastructure, system, vibrant demography and demand.

The country’s decision comes at a time when there is a major container shortage on major liner routes resulting in substantial freight rate hikes. The shortage of containers has also been causing delays in shipment of India’s major export goods including rice.

“We need to address the issue of containers at the earliest especially as we focus on boosting exports on one hand and reducing imports on the other,” Ajay Sahai, director general, Federation of Indian Export Organisation told India Narrative.

India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has already set up a committee to study the feasibility of manufacturing containers at Bhavnagar in Gujarat.

Currently China is the largest container manufacturing country in the world with a market share of more than 95%.

Commenting on the news, Andy Lane from Singapore-based CTI Consultancy told Splash: “Currently there is some demand for additional production. Longer term the global container fleet will remain at around 1.6 times the liner ship capacity, and India will need to compete with China here. China has an additional advantage that the containers roll out of the factory straight for export stuffing.”

Source - Splash

#containers #asis #india #manufacturing #china #atamnirbhar #madeinindia 

Thermo King Launches Mobile Refrigerated Containers ColdCube Connect FLEX

 Thermo King Launches #Mobile #Refrigerated #Containers #ColdCube Connect FLEX

Thermo King announced ColdCube Connect Flex, the latest addition to its portfolio of flexible, portable cooling, #freezing and #heating mobile containers. The new Connect FLEX models come with an integrated #battery, which offers at least 12 hours of autonomous cooling capacity, fully independent from the vehicle battery.

Thermo King ColdCube Connect FLEX containers are a lightweight, durable, flexible solution available in three sizes that fit a standard van or truck. The containers allow customers to ensure an autonomous temperature controlled environment in non-refrigerated vehicles and fulfill a variety of transport and storage needs including Pharma, retail, catering and last mile deliveries. Bluetooth connectivity enables customers to wirelessly control the temperature set-point and provides full visibility of temperature and status without opening the container. For additional connectivity, ColdCube Connect FLEX comes with a preinstalled temperature sensor, compatible with Thermo King telematics systems.

“ColdCube containers provide a simple and flexible way to ensure that Pharma, fresh or catering temperature-sensitive products are moved and stored in the right, controlled environment,” said Oscar Sanz de Acedo Pollan, aftermarket engineering leader at Thermo King.” The new FLEX models, thanks to the integrated battery and autonomous operations, give customers even more flexibility. They can now store the container outside the vehicle whenever needed, without looking for an external power source to connect to.”

ColdCube Connect FLEX Pharma certified models offer powerful, automatic cooling, freezing and heating operation reaching temperature ranges from -30 degrees Celsius to +30 degrees Celsius depending on the version, and efficient internal ventilation. This meets the stringent requirements for secure transport of biomedical products, like blood bags, blood tubes, vaccines and biological samples in the most demanding environment conditions.

Key features of the Thermo King ColdCube Connect FLEX containers:

• Integrated battery for at least 12 hours of autonomous, wireless operation. Simply recharged at any 115 or 230V AC outlet

• Fully independent of vehicle battery and compatible with electric vans.

• Available in 140, 330 and 720L versions.

• Bluetooth connectivity and telematics ready.

CO2 refrigeration system for a new supermarket in Larnaca

For Cyprus, energy conservation is one of the main issues when opening a store, as electricity has a very high price. Considering the need to save energy and the hot climate of Cyprus, as well as in accordance with the European Union legislation on the use of refrigerants, the refrigeration system for the new supermarket in Larnaca was designed and manufactured with CO2.

In this project, Aisberg acted as a manufacturer of refrigeration furniture, antifreeze defrosting system and a supplier of Adap-Kool (Danfoss) computer monitoring system.

The anti-freeze thawing system developed and patented by Aisberg Ltd in this project is used for all low-temperature display cases, medium-temperature display cases for meat and preserves, refrigerators and freezers. Glycol is heated by solar energy. The heat exchange equipment of Aisberg refrigerated showcases is adapted for the use of CO2.

The line of counters in the Cube design includes modules of various designs and temperature conditions, assembled in a line in a single design with wood finish.
Fresh baked goods are sold in self-service mode in a neutral Cube Bakery display case with wide natural wood shelves. For hot baking, there is a thermal vertical display case with heated shelves made of natural stone, located at an angle to the customer.

Another innovative patented development of Aisberg Ltd is applied in the Cube refrigerated display case for fresh meat. The Cross Cooling System maintains a stable temperature in the display case, even during the thawing period, which ensures the freshness and quality of meat products. Showcases are equipped with hydraulic lifting of the front windows, blowing of the front windows to avoid fogging, a shelf for shopping bags and baskets.

Taking into account the geometry of the store, for the convenience of customers' aisles, compact wall-mounted display cases Medusa Horizont were used - a double-sided island version with a body width of 1330 mm. The showcase is equipped with energy-efficient glass doors.

#refrigeration #reefer #co2 #newtechnology #danfoss #cyprus

Carrier Transicold launches solar power system for reefers.

Innovative new TRU-Mount charging panels designed to deliver transport refrigeration units more power, faster.

Carrier Transicold’s newest solar charging system for transport refrigeration unit (TRU) batteries features an innovative design that conveniently fits on top of the TRU.

The new TRU-Mount Solar Charging System boasts 2.0-amp power delivery by combining ultrapure silicon cells with a high-performance charge controller, the company said. “With a significantly smaller footprint than our prior solar panels, the new system provides up to 18% greater power delivery for faster, more complete charging of a 12-volt TRU battery, helping ensure uninterrupted performance,” said Jason Forman, associate director of sales and marketing for performance parts.

Refrigerated haulers are adopting solar panels to help offset battery draws from ancillary devices, such as fuel-level sensors, interior trailer lighting and telematics systems. During periods when the TRU is not running, such power draws can potentially drain the battery too low to start the TRU engine, resulting in a service callout or battery replacement, Carrier maintained. Solar panels can also help conserve fuel by minimizing the need to run the TRU engine to charge the battery.

The innovative panel design provides a custom fit on the narrow, curved top surface of Carrier Transicold X4 and X2 series trailer refrigeration units and Vector 8000 and 6000 series units. The charge controller is integrated in the panel, which simplifies installation.

“The location of the TRU-Mount panel has multiple advantages,” Forman said. “The lower positioning on the TRU makes it less susceptible to overhead scrapes that can affect trailer-top-mounted panels. Unlike some competitive units, Carrier’s TRU-Mount system is not suspended over the exhaust path, helping to avoid efficiency losses that occur when solar cells are exposed to high temperatures. The system also conveniently stays with the TRU if the TRU is removed and reinstalled on another trailer.”

The panel uses three engineered layers to maximize strength and efficiency. The light-trapping upper layer is scratch-, impact- and weather-resistant. The middle layer is composed of uncut monocrystalline cells that maximize output and minimize power loss from intermittent shading. The copper bottom layer serves as a heat sink that keeps the panel cooler for greater efficiency.

The new TRU-Mount Solar Charging System is now available for field installation and will be offered as a factory-installed option later this year, the company said.

#reefer #solar #charging #panel #carrier #container #TRU

Visit transicold.carrier.com for more information.

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.