Picking the right reefer size for the job is important.
You don’t want a very large reefer if you are sending supplies to nearby rigs.
And you also don’t want a small reefer if you are sending supplies over a long distance.
What is the purpose of a reefer container?
The explanation is simple: some cargoes require particular transportation conditions in order to avoid any compromise in product quality or safety.
Controlling CO2 and O2 levels in a container containing natural goods, for example, can lengthen the ageing cycle, allowing it to be rescued from staling, and reefers can accomplish it for you.
Some commodities must be shipped cold, solidified, or at specific temperatures. During the trip, reefer compartments can retain the cargo at the required temperatures.
The Advantages of a Reefer Container
- They don’t need cold storage when they get to their destination since they have self-contained cooling systems.
- They come in a variety of sizes and dimensions, making them suitable for various modes of travel, including land, sea, and air.
- They may be separated into multiple sections and areas at varied temperatures to allow frozen and chilled items to be transported safely in one container.
- They’re thought to be tough and dependable.
- They offer a higher ROI than reefer ships.
There are, however, reasons to despise them, just as there are reasons to admire them.
These containers have been found to contribute to global warming by emitting toxic gases that are hazardous to our ecosystem.
There’s no need to be concerned, though, because, as a result of recent sustainable initiatives by several nations, ways are being researched and developed to make their transportation and operations more environmentally friendly.
It’s important to remember that the reefer container can only maintain the temperature of previously chilled items and cannot reduce the temperature on its own.
Types of Reefer Containers
Various types of reefers are available in the market. The choice of a suitable one depends on your requirements, purpose, and cargo. Following are three main types of reefers:
- Closed reefers- These traditional single piece reefers have an integral front wall. As with all conventional reefers, they have an automatic cooling and heating unit.
- Modified atmosphere reefers (MA)- Also known as Controlled Atmosphere (CA) reefers, these are made of insulated containers that have an air exchange system. The consumed oxygen is automatically replaced with fresh O2. The atmosphere within the reefer remains in constant equilibrium, therefore maintaining the freshness of the cargo.
- Automatic Fresh Air Management reefer (AFAM)- These are technologically advanced containers that are automated to adjust the air exchange and maintain the temperature within the reefer container. However, taking it one step ahead of the MA/CA reefers, the controls here can be adjusted to extend the shelf life of cargo goods (in case of unforeseen circumstances or transportation delays).
Reefer Container Heights
The refrigerated container is available in a variety of sizes and technical uses, although practically all of them are 20 feet long. The usual size for shipping containers is identical units.
The dimensions of reefer containers might vary based on the kind of container.
The size range of reefers
Tare Weight (kg) |
Payload Capacity (kg) |
Cubic Capacity (m3) |
Internal Length (m) |
Internal Width (m) |
Internal Height (m) |
Door Width (m) |
Door Height (m) |
|
20′ Reefer Container | 3,080 | 27,400 | 28.3 | 5.44 | 2.29 | 2.27 | 2.23 | 2.10 |
40′ Reefer Container | 4,800 | 27,700 | 59.3 | 11.56 | 2.28 | 2.25 | 2.29 | 2.26 |
40′ High Cube Reefer | 4,480 | 29,520 | 67.3 | 11.58 | 2.29 | 2.40 | 2.29 | 2.57 |
45′ Reefer Container | 4,850 | 29,150 | 67 | 11.57 | 2.27 | 2.55 | 2.29 | 2.26 |
Ice Wave (8 ft Reefer)
The best reefer in its class, ICEWAVE (8 Ft) comes with a microprocessor controller to provide the ideal refrigeration cycle. Additional features include low energy consumption, lightweight, fastest pulldown, tight floor spread, and a wide range of carrying temperatures.
ICE WAVE (8 ft) Reefer container specification
EXTERIOR DIMENSION
Length – 2,348 mm
Weight – 2,438 mm
Height – 2,591 mm
INTERNAL DIMENSION
Length – 1,789 mm
Width – 2,290 mm
Height – 2,274 mm
FORKLIFT POCKET
Width – 306 mm
Height – 102 mm
Center Distance – 900 mm
INSIDE CUBIC CAPACITY
(NOMINAL)
9.31M (329 cu.ft.)
ACCESS HEIGHT
(CARGO)
2,175mm
DOOR OPENING
Width – 2,290 mm
Height – 2,266 mm
Ice Storm (10 ft Reefer)
With unmatched technology, ICESTORM reefer (10 ft) comes with microprocessor controller to manage the fresh air exchange rate, ensuring a consistent product quality.
ICE STORM (10 ft) Reefer container specification
EXTERIOR DIMENSION
Length – 2,991 mm
Weight – 2,438 mm
Height – 2,591 mm
INTERNAL DIMENSION
Length – 2,342 mm
Width – 2,290 mm
Height – 2,274 mm
FORKLIFT POCKET
Width – 360 mm
Height – 95 mm
Center Distance – 1,150 mm
INSIDE CUBIC CAPACITY
(NOMINAL)
12.2M (431 cu.ft.)
ACCESS HEIGHT
(CARGO)
2,175mm
DOOR OPENING
Width – 2,298 mm
Height – 2,258 mm
What happens if the reefer container temperature isn’t kept constant?
To sustain the specified temperatures, the container must have enough air circulation.
Temperature change has a minimal endurance threshold.
If it exceeds the required temperature, further hours or days will be required to get it to the desired temperature.
If the temperature is not maintained, the cargo may be refused to owe to the likelihood of pathogens in the items.
Also read about the reefer container temperature range
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have discussed what is the purpose of a reefer container and the advantages of a reefer container.
We have also talked about reefer container heights as well as the size range of reefers.
Finally, we lightly touched on what happens if a reefer containers temperature isn’t kept constant.
Business Director
A graduate (Business) from KDU, Jason Tan, is the current Business Director (Sales) for MGS Icestorm and has been associated with the company for the past 10 years.
With over 13 years in the shipping industry, he has had a significant contribution to Malaysia’s oil and gas industry in the engine and boat supply sector.
His expertise includes managing offshore catering business, offshore reefer containers, AI technology, offshore gas tanks, A60 pressurized cabins, etc. His contributions have helped establish MGS, in partnership (joint venture) with Thermo King and Honeywell to produce state of art Offshore Reefer Container products.