Dual-temperature reefer with CA functions
5th February 2024
JAPAN: Transportation company Ocean Network Express (ONE) has commenced trials of what it claims is the world’s first dual-temperature refrigerated container equipped with controlled atmosphere (CA) functions.
The collaboration with retailer Pan Pacific International Holdings Inc (PPIH) and freight-forwarding company NAX Japan will see the refrigerated container transport various types of perishable goods and fruits from Japan to PPIH’s Don Quijote overseas stores.
A foldable partition is installed in the middle of a container to accommodate different temperature zones. The room adjacent to the reefer unit supports both chilled and frozen temperatures, maintaining cargo from -30°C to +30°C, similar to a standard refrigerated container. In the other compartment of the container, a thermal fan sends cold air through the ceiling to maintain cargo between -5°C and +30°C.
Depending on a customer’s requirements, the position of the partition can be adjusted, and the partition can also be stored in the ceiling when it is not in use, turning it into a standard refrigerated container.
Transporting fresh Japanese fruits and vegetables to PPIH’s 43 stores in six Asian countries while maintaining freshness during ocean transportation has always been challenging. In addition, the small volume of cargoes for countries with fewer stores, such as Thailand and Malaysia have made it crucial to improve container loading efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
The dual-temperature refrigerated CA container will enhance container loading efficiency by transporting smaller quantities of a more diverse range of perishable commodities in a single container. This will not only reduce overall transportation costs, but also maintain the freshness and quality of goods throughout the shipment.
