Trends in Technology / Supply
- Up to 2010
- 2011 and Beyond
Issues Impacting Pome Industry
- ASC and ACT
- Power Supply
- Temperature Management
Historical Trends
- In 2010, our volume: 210,000+ units
- Worldwide: 1 million units
- Under-investment in reefer containers created a bottleneck in 2010
- Only 55,000 units ordered in 2010
- 2007 was an all-time high for reefer production: 117,500 units (50% replacement)
- From 1995–2008, average replacement share of annual reefer production: 37%
- For 2009–2012, CI projects a replacement share of 50%
- Actual new builds in 2009: 50,000 units
Environmental Impact
- In 2010: 600,000 ton CO₂ emission reduction
- 2012 aim: 1 million ton CO₂ emission reduction
Recent Developments
- In 2012, new builds: 35,000
- Worldwide order books are dubious
QUEST Technology
- QUEST is CO₂ emission-friendly software that focuses on maintaining a constant cargo temperature.
- Traditional cooling systems regulate the air temperature in the container, not the product temperature.
How Does QUEST Work?
In principle, QUEST works like a household refrigerator, allowing a variation in the air temperature without damaging the cargo.
The allowed temperature variation is based on scientific testing to ensure no damage to the product.
A non-QUEST reefer maintains the air temperature supplied into the container at a constant degree (e.g., 13°C).
This can waste energy and may not achieve the desired cargo temperature.
It is comparable to driving a car with the accelerator to the floor but decelerating by applying the clutch.
Air Temperature Development
| Non-QUEST Reefer | QUEST Reefer |
|---|---|
| Both air and cargo temperature remain the same | Air temperature varies within an acceptable range (commodity-specific) while the cargo temperature remains the same |
- On day 3, QUEST reefer shows a better temperature spread over the entire container, even when both containers are set at 13.5°C.
Precautions When Stuffing Reefers
- To ensure safe transport, it is vital that the reefer unit is stuffed correctly, securing optimal airflow and cooling of cargo.
Hot Spots in Containers
- Hot spots (red and orange colors) are often located near the middle and back doors of the container.
- The appearance of two hot spots is due to different pallet arrangements (parallel vs. perpendicular).
Stowage Guidelines for Reefer Containers
40’ Highcube Reefer
- Free Space: Ensure adequate free space for airflow.
- Stowage:
- 2 rows with 11 and 9 pallets, respectively.
- Open space at the door end must be covered by thick cardboard or plastic to optimize airflow.
Concerns
- Responsibility of Shipper: Ensure correct carriage temperature is maintained.
Best Practices
- Don’t play second fiddle.
- Stay ahead of the game.
- Please avoid unnecessary risks.
- Always ask “Why?” and seek improvements.