A mechanically refrigerated container that maintains precise temperatures from −30°C to +30°C throughout the ocean voyage — the backbone of global cold chain logistics.
A reefer container (short for refrigerated container) is an insulated shipping container equipped with an integral refrigeration unit. The refrigeration compressor runs on electricity supplied by the vessel, at the port (via a "reefer plug"), or by a generator set (genset) during road/rail transport.
Unlike passive insulated containers, a reefer actively maintains a set temperature. The shipper or freight forwarder specifies the required temperature (e.g. +2°C for fresh produce, −18°C for frozen meat) and the unit automatically regulates cooling to hold that range throughout the voyage.
| Specification | 20ft Reefer | 40ft HC Reefer |
|---|---|---|
| External Length | 6.058 m (19'10½") | 12.192 m (40'0") |
| External Width | 2.438 m (8'0") | 2.438 m (8'0") |
| External Height | 2.591 m (8'6") | 2.896 m (9'6") |
| Internal Length | 5.444 m | 11.583 m |
| Internal Width | 2.294 m | 2.276 m |
| Internal Height | 2.270 m | 2.550 m |
| Volume | ~28 CBM | ~67 CBM |
| Tare Weight | ~3,080 kg | ~4,800 kg |
| Max Payload | ~27,400 kg | ~27,700 kg |
| Temperature Range | −30°C to +30°C (set point) | |
| Power Supply | 380–460V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz | |
| ISO Type Code | R0 / R1 (mechanically refrigerated) | |
Fruits, vegetables, flowers — typically 0°C to +8°C
Beef, chicken, fish, shrimp — typically −18°C to −25°C
Butter, cheese, milk powder — typically +2°C to +6°C
Vaccines, biologics, temperature-sensitive medicines
Fine wines, premium beverages requiring temperature control
Temperature-sensitive industrial chemicals and resins
Some reefer containers are equipped with Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology, which modifies the levels of oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrogen (N₂) inside the container. This is used for bananas, avocados, kiwis, and other sensitive fruits to extend shelf life and delay ripening during long ocean voyages.
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