Banana producer Chiquita to deploy the new batch of 2500 energy-efficient reefer containers from Maersk Container Industry
The new batch of 2500 Star Cool Integrated™ containers from Maersk Container Industry (MCI) will be deployed in Chiquita Brands International’s (Chiquita) shipping services, Maersk said in its press release. Of the batch, 1000 integrated containers are equipped with MCI’s market-leading Star Cool CA (Controlled Atmosphere) system, which effectively preserves the freshness of bananas during transit. By controlling the ripening, Star Cool CA ensures an extended transportation window of up to 45 days and the arrival of the produce in perfect condition for a prolonged shelf life in the supermarkets.
Chiquita is both a leading producer of bananas and an operator of its own substantial shipping fleet through the premier ocean carrier, Great White Fleet Ltd.
The well-proven Star Cool CA concept ensures safe operation and fast oxygen pull down. This reduces the speed of the ripening to a minimum, allowing for extended travel distances, optimal freshness and longer shelf life without using supplementary third-party solutions.
Since adding Star Cool Integrated to its fleet, Chiquita has gained first-hand operational knowledge of the low-energy consumption and durable low-weight container design. In the new batch, the banana producer will also be able to take advantage of MCI’s StarConomy™ software, which is proven to halve energy use without compromising the quality of the precious cargo.
The seamlessly combined design of the Star Cool Integrated container ensures low weight and durability, which in return, translates into tangible operational value throughout the container’s 15-year lifetime.
The new 40-foot high cube Star Cool Integrated containers are delivered directly from MCI’s manufacturing facility in Qingdao, China to be transported to Moin, Costa Rica for first loads of fresh bananas destined for the USA and Europe. The containers are supplied to Chiquita under a long-term lease managed by Sun Intermodal Ltd.
About Maersk Container Industry
Maersk Container Industry (MCI) develops and manufactures refrigerated containers, dry containers and the Star Cool™ refrigeration machine for the intermodal industry, including shipping lines, fruit multinationals and leasing companies. Widely recognised as the most energy-efficient reefer, the Star Cool Integrated™ reefer features innovative technologies such as Controlled Atmosphere (CA). The company employs around 5,000 employees. It has R&D and engineering test facilities in Denmark, two production facilities in China and one in Chile, as well as a global network of 400 service providers. Building on a heritage of more than 100 years in shipping and strong core values, MCI is part of the A.P. Moller - Maersk.
