MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, the second largest container shipping company in the world, is set to expand its reefer fleet after placing a record order for 5,000 refrigerated containers.
The specialised containers will be equipped with Carrier Transicold’s XtendFRESH atmosphere control technology, a system that manages oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within refrigerated containers and removes ethylene, slowing the ripening of produce.
As perishable cargo consumes oxygen, on-demand fresh-air ventilation automatically maintains the optimum level inside the container.
In addition to this, MSC will receive PrimeLINE units that enable conversion from R-134a to R-513A, a refrigerant with a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) rating.
MSC’s order is the largest for the XtendFRESH option since the system was introduced, representing a growing trend among shipping lines to provide controlled-atmosphere technology for the benefit of their customers.
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Giuseppe Prudente, MSC’s Chief Logistics Officer, commented: “By adding atmosphere control for selected perishable cargoes, we are enhancing the care we provide for the valuable commodities we ship for our customers.
“XtendFRESH technology enables MSC to transport fruit and other refrigerated cargo over longer distances, creating tremendous new opportunities for exporters and importers.”
Willy Yeo, Marketing Director at Carrier Transicold, added: “The innovative XtendFRESH system allows shipping lines to optimize conditions for specific commodities.
“It is the only atmosphere control solution with an integrated ethylene removal capability.”
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