Reefer Containers and Technology

Having access to one of the largest and youngest fleets of reefer containers in the industry, APL can provide the equipment best suited for your perishables and sensitive cargo.

How does a refrigerated container work?

All our reefer containers are bottom-air delivery units, designed to deliver cold air from the floor via a T-shaped decking (also known as T-Floor). This allows the unit to produce a uniform and consistent flow of air across the entire container with the cargo inside, ensuring a perfect air exchange.

Reefer equipment

Our reefer fleet is made up of 20’, 40' High Cube and 45’ containers (32/33 Pallet Wide), allowing the transport of goods at temperatures ranging from below -40°C to +30°C. We have one of the youngest and most technologically advanced reefer fleet in the industry, with an average age of seven years.

Note: The above technical data provided for these containers are non-contractual data. The information is non-exhaustive and given as examples only, although it reflects the majority of our reefer fleet. Please check with your APL representative on the availability of containers with the above specifications.

Temperature

1. 1 Frozen mode: Precise control of temperature is achieved through the return air.
2. 2 Chilled mode: Precise control of temperature achieved through the supply air flow.

Ventilation

Unwanted gas and moisture are removed by renewing the fresh air inside our reefer container at a rate of 0 to 260m3/hour. The forced circulation of cool air prevents your chilled products from ripening too quickly, allowing your products to have a longer shelf-life and maintain their market value.

Cargo packing is extremely important as the airflow inside a reefer container is directly influenced by the stuffing and cargo placement. You may learn more about the best practices for cargo handling here.

The reefer containers require a permanent supply of electricity to ensure that the “cold chain” effect remains consistent throughout the journey. Depending on whether the containers are on board the vessel or on the quay, they are either plugged into the vessel or the terminal’s electricity supply.

When being transported on roads (rail or truck), reefer containers are equipped with portable generators called gensets.

Features & technologies

Atmosphere control

The composition of the air inside the container (specifically CO2 and O2 levels) are modified in order to slow down the ripening process of fresh produce and lengthen the storage period.

APL, through the CMA CGM Group, is able to provide various types of technologies developed by manufacturers (AFAM+, Liventus, Purfresh, Xtenfresh, Star Cool CA, Daikin).

Temperature control

To preserve the quality of perishable goods during transport, specific temperatures need to be set in the containers carrying the goods. Our reefer containers allow temperature control and offer the following:

Humidity control

Humidity is the concentration of water vapor found inside the air. Humidity in the reefer container either comes from the evaporation from the cargo itself or from the air entering the container through the opened fresh air exchange system (ventilation).

As certain products require a reduced level of humidity during transportation, our reefer containers are equipped with a system capable of controlling the humidity within the range of 60% to 85%.

Continuous monitoring

To ensure the reefer containers are functioning according to the specifications required for the cargo, our reefer specialists continuously monitor the containers at every stage of the journey:

• On entering and leaving the container yard
• When being loaded onto a train or truck
• When parked in the port terminal
• During the voyage on board a vessel ship

Even when the reefer container is unplugged, all parameters are still monitored and recorded with an electronic microprocessor and data-loggers.

The data-logger supplies information on:

• Supply air temperature,
• Return air temperature,
• Ambient temperature,
• Cargo temperature (optional),
• Humidity level

Potential actions which could impact the quality of the cargo are also monitored and recorded:

• Tuning operations
• Modifying the parameters
• Interventions
• Breakdowns
• Alarms (Connecting / disconnecting the containers)

Modem

Majority of our refrigerated containers is installed with modems that directly connect them to the ship’s bridge. Should there be any changes in critical parameter, an alarm signal will immediately alert the technicians, allowing quick action to be taken to solve the issue.

Adapting containers for intermodal

Complementing our ocean freight services, we also offer door-to-door service and tailor-made inland solutions (rail, road and river) to our customers.

Visit APL inland solutions to find out more.