MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) will lease 2,000 containers chilled by Carrier Transicold’s natural refrigerant-based NaturaLINE refrigeration system.
The NaturaLINE unit solves the problem of how to use refrigerants effectively and efficiently—to transport items such as perishable food and pharmaceuticals—while helping to protect the environment. The system uses repurposed carbon dioxide (CO2), the refrigerant with the lowest global warming potential (GWP) among all container refrigerants currently in use. MSC’s new refrigerated containers—all 40-foot high-cube models—are being leased from SeaCube Containers LLC.
“The NaturaLINE unit’s innovative use of CO2 is the first of its kind available on the reefer market,” said Giuseppe Prudente, chief logistics officer, MSC. “By providing higher level of performance in the minus 40 degrees Celsius deep-frozen range, we can add new capabilities for our growing customer base, particularly for seafood and other high-value frozen commodities. Moreover, shipping is already one of the most environmentally sustainable forms of cargo transportation, and we are pleased to continue to improve our environmental performance by equipping our fleet with the latest green technologies.”
The ability to achieve minus 40 Celsius was previously only attainable in container systems using a refrigerant with a GWP nearly 4,000 times higher. The NaturaLINE unit has managed this, along with high efficiency, a quiet operation and tight temperature control.
“We commend MSC and SeaCube for their investment in environmentally sustainable refrigeration equipment,” said David Appel, president, Carrier Transicold & Refrigeration Systems. “The NaturaLINE unit, with CO2 refrigerant, takes users directly to an end state by guarding against regulations, environmental taxes and phaseouts that other refrigerants will be subject to during their operational lifespan. In addition, CO2 is non-ozone depleting, widely available, relatively inexpensive and non-flammable.”
MSC will begin taking delivery of its new containers from SeaCube later in 2018. The NaturaLINE units will be supported by Carrier Transicold’s global service network. For more information, visit www.transicold.carrier.com.
With global headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC operates 480 offices across 155 countries worldwide with more than 70,000 employees. Its shipping line sails on more than 200 trade routes, calling at 500-plus ports, with access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources that stretches worldwide. Access www.msc.com to learn more.
