Reefer Service
Egypt is a major exporter of fresh commodities, known for its diverse agricultural production, which includes citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. The country’s climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, enables year-round cultivation of a variety of crops, with seasonality playing a critical role in harvesting times. Citrus fruits typically peak during the winter months, while crops like strawberries and grapes are harvested from late fall to early spring. Given the high demand for Egyptian fresh produce in global markets, ensuring that these goods are shipped quickly and efficiently is essential. Shield Marine Shipping plays a pivotal role in handling these exports, offering advanced logistics solutions that preserve the quality and freshness of the products during transit. With expertise in temperature-controlled shipping and a network of reliable global partners, Shield Marine Shipping ensures that Egyptian fresh commodities are transported with precision and care, meeting the rigorous standards of international markets. Whether exporting to Europe, the Middle East, or Asia, Shield Marine Shipping manages the complexities of seasonal harvests and the perishable nature of fresh produce, guaranteeing timely and safe deliveries to customers worldwide.
How a Reefer Container Works
A refrigerated container, or “reefer,” is designed to maintain specific conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmosphere throughout its entire transit. Key factors to consider when shipping reefer cargo include temperature, ventilation, humidity, and drainage.
- Temperature: Standard reefer containers are built to maintain temperatures between +25°C and -25°C for chilled or frozen cargo. Some units can go even lower, with certain containers capable of reaching temperatures as low as -35°C or even -70°C for ultra-cold storage (super freezers).
- Ventilation: Proper air circulation is essential, especially for chilled goods. Fresh air ventilation is needed for products like fruits and vegetables, while frozen cargo requires air flow around the entire load. The goods should be packed tightly with minimal gaps to ensure even air distribution.
- Humidity: Some products require a controlled level of humidity. The dehumidification feature in reefer containers reduces moisture levels in the air, with standard units maintaining a relative humidity (RH) between 60% and 85%. Some newer models can achieve RH levels as low as 50%.
- Drainage: To prevent excess moisture buildup, reefer containers are equipped with drainage systems that allow water to escape. These systems are also designed to keep out insects or other contaminants.
Reefer containers require an external power source to operate, whether from a depot, terminal, onboard a vessel, or a generator set (genset). Inside each reefer, a microprocessor records various temperature parameters, such as supply and return air temperatures, defrost activities, and power cycles. This data can be monitored remotely via temperature probes or through a portable data logger that tracks and stores real-time temperature information during transit.
It’s important to note that while a reefer can maintain a preset temperature, it does not cool the cargo from room temperature. Goods must be pre-cooled to the target temperature before being loaded to ensure quality and extend shelf life, especially for perishable items like fruits and vegetables.
Reefer Container Specifications
- 20-foot Reefer Container:
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- Internal dimensions: 17’8″ (L) x 7’5″ (W) x 7’0″ (H)
- Capacity: 953 cubic feet (27 m³)
- Tare weight: 6,503 lbs (2,950 kg)
- Max cargo weight: 60,627 lbs (27,500 kg)
- 40-foot High Cube Reefer Container:
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- Internal dimensions: 38’0″ (L) x 7’6″ (W) x 7’1″ (H)
- Capacity: 2,366 cubic feet (67 m³)
- Tare weight: 10,141 lbs (4,600 kg)
- Max cargo weight: 65,036 lbs (29,500 kg)
Non-Operating Reefer Containers (NOR)
Non-operating reefer containers (NOR) are reefer units where the refrigeration system is deactivated, allowing them to be used as standard dry containers. This helps balance equipment distribution, as surplus reefer containers can be used in areas where refrigeration is not needed, while still providing the structural benefits of a refrigerated container. Although these containers offer more space than dry containers due to the absence of refrigeration machinery, they are not suitable for all types of cargo.