First Reefers Delivered from MCIS World trade in perishable foods has turned a page as Maersk Container Industry (MCI) has begun delivering refrigerated containers and Star Cool refrigeration units from its new production facility in San Antonio, Chile. More than 2,000 40ft high cube Star Cool containers were recently ordered by and partly delivered to international carriers CMA CGM, Maersk Line and Sealand. Reefer production in Chile has the potential to achieve vast efficiencies and a reduced environmental footprint for the industry because shipment of empty reefer containers from elsewhere can now be reduced. “For the first time ever, refrigerated containers made in Chile are going straight from the factory to local farms to be loaded with fresh produce. Perishable foods are a key market for shippers and we are constantly looking for ways to provide them with competitive advantages like this”, said Soren Johannsen, Chief Commercial Officer at MCI. “We are very excited about this milestone at MCI. It marks the beginning of a new and more efficient and sustainable supply chain for the shipment of fresh produce from the West Coast of South America”, he added. Seabury, the international shipping and transportation analyst, predicted the 2015 seasonal deficit for Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to reach a record high of more than 300,000 reefers. Of these, 110,000 reefers need to go to Chile. Depending on time, seasonality and service network, freight costs for repositioning empty reefers to Chile alone varies between USD 1,000-2,000 per reefer container. New Star Cool reefers are now available in both China and Chile Located in one of the regions with the highest demand for refrigerated food transportation, such close access to MCI’s advanced refrigeration technology can become a catalyst for South American fresh produce exports. “To keep cargos fresh over long distances, extend shelf life and not least reduce food waste, we offer various technologies including Controlled Atmosphere (CA) cooling technology at our factories in Chile and China, two reefer-demanding regions in the world”, Johannsen explained. “ For the first time ever, refrigerated containers made in Chile are going straight from the factory to local farms to be loaded with fresh produce. ”
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