The Japanese liner carrier says it is purchasing 5,000 refrigerated containers to take advantage of the growing temperature-controlled ocean transportation market.
NYK Line said it has placed an order for 5,500 high-tech ocean containers, which are more efficient and reliable than older equipment.
The Japanese carrier has already started to take delivery of some units.
The order includes 700 controlled-atmosphere containers, which ensure that the quality and freshness of perishable products is maintained during long transits by regulating the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as the temperature.
The ocean reefer business has been strong in recent years as shippers have taken advantage of better preservation technology and lower prices than air freight. Another factor driving demand for refrigerated containers and ships with reefer slots is the diminishing interest among shippers for using breakbulk-refrigerated ships. In August, Hapag-Lloyd ordered 6,000 40-foot containers, 1,000 of which will have controlled atmosphere technology to prolong the life of fruits and vegetables.
Drewry, in its latest Reefer Shipping Market Annual Review & Forecast, said worldwide perishable reefer trade moving by all modes of transportation increased 1.8 percent in 2014—reaching almost 190 million tons. It added the amount of perishable refrigerated cargo moving by sea was up 4.9 percent and exceeded 100 million tons globally in 2014 for the first time, with the fish and seafood trade experiencing exceptionally strong growth.
NYK invests in reefer containers
