A reefer container, short for refrigerated container, is a type of shipping container equipped with refrigeration units to transport temperature-sensitive goods. These containers maintain a controlled internal environment, ensuring that the quality of perishable items such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals is preserved during transit. Reefer containers are essential in global trade, allowing for the safe and efficient transport of perishable commodities across long distances.
Reefer containers are insulated to enhance thermal efficiency and equipped with a refrigeration unit that can be powered by electricity at sea and diesel generators on the road or at ports. The containers are designed to maintain temperatures ranging from as low as -65 degrees Celsius to +40 degrees Celsius, depending on the product’s requirements.
The refrigeration unit in a reefer container works much like a household refrigerator by circulating cool air that absorbs heat from inside the container. The container walls are heavily insulated to minimize heat exchange with the outside environment. The temperature inside the container can be precisely controlled and monitored, ensuring that it remains constant throughout the journey.
Common Uses of Reefer Containers
Reefer containers are used across various industries:
- Food Industry: Transporting frozen foods, fresh produce, and other perishable items.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Ensuring that medicines and vaccines are kept at stable temperatures to maintain their efficacy.
- Floral Industry: Shipping flowers and plants to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
- Chemical Industry: Carrying chemicals that require specific temperatures to prevent degradation or volatility.