Hapag-Lloyd boosts reefer fleet by 11,100 state-of-the-art boxes

GERMAN container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd has ordered 11,100 state-of-the-art reefer containers to be integrated to its existing fleet of 91,000 reefer boxes, with delivery gradually starting in August and due to be completed by December 2018.

The shipping line said in a press release that since 2015 alone and including the most recent order, the company has purchased a total of 30,550 new reefers to ensure that it can offer modern equipment and sufficient seasonal availability to its customers, particularly during peak times such as harvesting seasons of fruits or vegetables.



'We experience very positive feedback from our clients on our ability to deliver consistent quality services in the reefer business. Furthermore, we see increasing demand from clients to transport temperature sensitive goods. To benefit from additional opportunities in this attractive market segment, we have decided to increase our reefer fleet, said Clemens Holz, director Reefer Products.



The production of the new reefers has already begun, with the first series of 40-foot containers. Two thousand of the new containers are equipped with 'Controlled Atmosphere' - a technology used to slow down the ripening process and to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The state-of-the-art containers will also have cooling units with the highest level of efficiency.



'The new reefer containers undergo intensive tests before they are made available for our customers to transport their valuable freight,' said Frank Nachbar, director Container Engineering and Maintenance.



In addition to food products, Hapag-Lloyd also transports other sensitive products in reefer containers, such as high-value pharmaceuticals. The new order will clearly expand the company's footprint in this strategically important niche market, according to the press release.