Hapag-Lloyd orders 3,700 reefer containers from MCI

The German ocean carrier plans to meet growing demand for refrigerated (reefer) cargo with the new Star Cool Integrated containers, 1,000 of which use a low-carbon R513A refrigerant system, according to Maersk Container Industry (MCI).    German ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd is investing in 1,000 low-carbon refrigerant containers as part of a 3,700-unit order of Star Cool Integrated containers from Maersk Container Industry (MCI).
   The first 1,000 Star Cool Integrated containers use a low-carbon R513A refrigerant system with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 56 percent of the commonly used R134A refrigerant, MCI said in a statement.
   “We are pleased to introduce another low-GWP refrigerant solution in our fleet with the first 1,000 Star Cool Integrated containers,” says Niklas Ohling, senior director at Hapag-Lloyd. “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 remains unaffected by the new refrigerant.”
   Hapag-Lloyd selected Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology for the 1,000 Star Cool Integrated containers in order to expand its ExtraFresh and ExtraFresh Plus services and to meet increased reefer demand. The CA technology 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.
   “We share the ambition of Hapag-Lloyd to reduce its environmental impact and are happy they again have selected the Star Cool Integrated solution,” says Søren Leth Johannsen, chief commercial officer at MCI. “It has been our imperative to offer a refrigerant solution that is not only better for the environment, but can also be deployed here and now, in the future, and in existing Star Cool fleets. This protects our customers’ investment and allows for a gradual change to the new technology and to legislation.”
   All of the ordered containers are produced and delivered from MCI’s manufacturing facilities in China and Chile.