Container Shipping Line Opts for Latest Reefer Boxes to Preserve Perishables

GERMANY – US – WORLDWIDE – Container shipping line Hamburg Süd, one of the foremost carriers of temperature sensitive cargo, has opted for 400 refrigerated containers equipped with Carrier Transicold’s XtendFRESH™ atmosphere control system in order to give produce exporters a better way to maintain the quality of perishables in transit. The system actively manages oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the reefer boxes and removes ethylene, thus making for slower ripening and an improved product quality.

Prior to purchase, Hamburg Süd commissioned independent testing on the XtendFRESH system by Eurofins, using bananas in stationary trials and shipped from Latin America to Scandinavia, which verified the system’s ability to help preserve the quality of perishable items. The produce was analysed for appearance, freshness, water content and other attributes. The new XtendFRESH systems have been placed into service in support of avocado exporters shipping from the west coast of South America to Asia, North America and Europe.

Martin Schoeler, senior manager, Logistics-Technology for Hamburg Süd observed that the fruit harvest was a significant market but that the banana trade would also benefit from the better quality transit with Michaela Steineker, global reefer manager, Sales & Marketing, Hamburg Süd, adding:

“Ethylene removal is a unique feature of the XtendFRESH system that differentiates it from other systems and is definitely much desired by our customers.”

Ethylene is a hormone given off by ripening produce that accelerates ripening if left unchecked. A patented, self-regenerating activated-carbon scrubber assembly captures ethylene and controls CO₂ levels. As oxygen is consumed by ripening produce, automated, on-demand fresh-air ventilation helps maintain the optimum level for the cargo inside. David Appel, president, Carrier Transicold & Refrigeration Systems commented:

“We are pleased to provide Hamburg Süd with innovative technology that enables them to expand their service offerings to customers. By helping to prevent premature ripening, the XtendFRESH system aids in maintaining optimum quality and shelf life of delivered produce while reducing the potential for food waste from spoilage.”

The 400 new XtendFRESH systems were factory-installed on PrimeLINE® refrigeration units equipped with Carrier Transicold’s energy-saving Enhanced Digital for Greater Efficiency (EDGE) technology package, all of which were mounted to 40-foot high-cube containers. EDGE includes a set of design enhancements that improve upon the PrimeLINE unit’s successful track record of energy efficiency and significantly reduces energy consumption for refrigeration helping Hamburg Süd achieve its sustainability goals.