The purchase, which includes 600 controlled-atmosphere containers, follows a previous order for 5,000 refrigerated containers announced last month.
Japanese ocean carrier NYK Line has placed an order for 4,700 new 40-foot refrigerated (reefer) containers, which are more efficient and reliable than older units, the company said in a statement.
The purchase, which includes 600 controlled-atmosphere containers, follows a previous order for 5,000 refrigerated containers announced last month. The controlled-atmosphere containers are equipped with technology that regulates the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as the temperature, to ensure the quality and freshness of perishable products is maintained during long transits.
The controlled-atmosphere units will be used primarily for the transportation of fruits from Latin America to Japan and other countries in the Asian region, as well as the export of Japanese vegetables, NYK said.
The carrier noted it bought 5,500 reefer containers in 2015, bringing the average age of the company’s fleet of more than 40,000 reefer units to just four years old.
Despite the troubles of the rest of the ocean shipping industry, reefer trade has flourished in recent years thanks to improvements in preservation technology and lower prices compared with airfreight. Another factor driving demand for refrigerated containers and ships with reefer slots is the diminishing interest among shippers for using breakbulk-refrigerated ships.
German ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd in August ordered 6,000 40-foot containers, 1,000 of which will have similar controlled-atmosphere technology to prolong the life of fruits and vegetables.
London-based shipping consultant 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. 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, according to the report.
NYK orders another 4,700 reefer containers
