MAERSK Container Industry (MCI) is supplying 3,700 Star Cool Integrated containers to German shipping line Hapag-Lloyd, the first 1,000 of which will be low-carbon refrigerant containers to meet increasing reefer demand for the transportation of fruits and vegetables.
These 1,000 containers use a low-carbon R513A refrigerant system with a global warming potential (GWP) that is 56 per cent lower than the commonly used R134A refrigerant, according to MCI.
Hapag-Lloyd senior director Niklas Ohling was quoted as saying in a report by American Shipper: "Reducing carbon emissions is a key objective on our sustainability agenda and we believe in the potential of environmentally friendly refrigerants as an important element in achieving this.
"At the same time, we have ensured in earlier field trials with MCI that the cargo quality and energy efficiency remain unaffected by the new refrigerant."
Hapag-Lloyd selected controlled atmosphere (CA) technology for the 1,000 Star Cool Integrated containers that slows the ripening of fruits and vegetables, allowing them to be transported over longer periods and reach their destination in optimal condition without over-ripening or decaying, MCI said.
