The Cronos Group has become the first client worldwide for ZESTIA, the new low-power, high-performance container refrigeration machine from Daikin Reefer.
The global container leasing company took delivery of 500 ZESTIA units during November 2011 in Qingdao, China, for installation on a batch of new 40-foot high-cube refrigerated containers destined for Japanese shipping line MOL. The units were produced at Daikin’s manufacturing plant in Suzhou, China.
“MOL had carried out extensive trials and research on the ZESTIA design, and we were very pleased to support them with the first commercial order for this innovative new technology,” said Matt Dowling, vice-president–operations for Cronos.
Officially unveiled in November 2011, ZESTIA uses patented Daikin DC-inverter technology and other advanced features to meet carrier and shipper demands for ultra-low energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while providing high cooling capacity and precise temperature control for chilled and frozen cargoes. Designed as a unit for global refrigerated container operations, ZESTIA also has new user-friendly control interfaces for ease of operation and maintenance.
With a fleet valued at more than $1.5 billion, and more than 1.1 million CEUs (cost equivalent units) of dry, refrigerated, tank, and other specialized equipment under its control, Cronos is one of the world’s largest container owners and lessors. The company’s 35,000-TEU refrigerated container fleet averages three years old, reflecting recent substantial investment. The landmark ZESTIA deal follows additional purchases by Cronos in 2011 of the LXE10E, Daikin’s scroll-compressor refrigeration machine.
“We have seen over recent times that customers want a greater choice of machines to match their own specific requirements,” said Dowling. “We have therefore taken a strategic decision to diversify into two machine types, adding Daikin to our portfolio, to better support market needs. The decision to invest in Daikin technology was based on our clients’ high level of comfort with the company and its equipment—especially in Asia.”
Visit www.cronos.com or www.daikin.co.jp for further information.
