Reefer containers and technologies
With over 385,000 TEU, CMA CGM owns the second largest fleet of Reefer containers in the world. Designed for the transport of perishable goods in a temperature controlled environment, these containers come in different sizes and are equipped with the latest technologies.
Our Reefer equipment
The CMA CGM Reefer fleet is composed of 20’, 40'High Cube and 45’containers (32/33 Pallet Wide) allowing the transport of goods at temperatures ranging from -35°C and below to +25°C. With an average age of seven years, the Reefer fleet is one of the youngest in the industry.
2nd largest Reefer carrier
288,000Reefer plugs
385,000Reefer containers in fleet (TEUs)
Download our Reefer brochure on our dedicated page
Warning : all technical data given for these containers are non-contractual data. They do reflect the majority of our container fleet but are non-exhaustive and given as examples. As such, the group cannot always ensure the availability of containers with the subsequent specifications. For further information, please contact our logistic department at CMA CGM Head Office, or our Agent in your country.
20' Reefer container
Internal Dimensions
| 20'RF 20'x8'x8'6" | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.456 mm |
| Width | 2.294 mm |
| Height | 2.273 mm |
Door Opening
| 20'RF 20'x8'x8'6" | |
|---|---|
| Width | 2.290 mm |
| Height | 2.264 mm |
Weight
| 20'RF 20'x8'x8'6" | |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Weight | 30.480kg |
| Average Tare | 3.010 kg |
| Maximum Payload | 27.470 kg |
Capacity
| 20'RF 20'x8'x8'6" | |
|---|---|
| Nominal | 28,6 CU.M |
| Usable under load line | 27,3 CU.M |
| Height usable for cargo | 2.158 mm |
40' high cube Reefer container
Internal Dimensions
| 40'RH 40'x8'x9'6" | |
|---|---|
| Length | 11.584 mm |
| Width | 2.294 mm |
| Height | 2.557 mm |
Door Opening
| 40'RH 40'x8'x9'6" | |
|---|---|
| Width | 2.290 mm |
| Height | 2.569 mm |
Weight
| 40'RH 40'x8'x9'6" | |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Weight | 34.000 kg |
| Average Tare | 4.740 kg |
| Maximum Payload | 29.260 kg |
Capacity
| 40'RH 40'x8'x9'6" | |
|---|---|
| Nominal | 68 CU.M |
| Usable under load line | 65,3 CU.M |
| Height usable for cargo | 2.394 mm |
45' palletwide Reefer container
Internal Dimensions
| 45'RW 45'x255x9'6" | |
|---|---|
| Length | 13.280 mm |
| Width | 2.440 mm |
| Height | 2.582 mm |
Door Opening
| 45'RW 45'x255x9'6" | |
|---|---|
| Width | 2.440 mm |
| Height | 2.567 mm |
Weight
| 45'RW 45'x255x9'6" | |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Weight | 34.000 kg |
| Average Tare | 6.180 kg |
| Maximum Payload | 27.820 kg |
Capacity
| 45'RW 45'x255x9'6" | |
|---|---|
| Nominal | 80,4 CU.M |
| Usable under load line | 83,7 CU.M |
| Height usable for cargo | 2.482 mm |
How does a Reefer container work?
All CMA CGM Reefer containers are bottom air delivery units designed to distribute chilled air from the floor, via specific T-shaped decking, with the advantage of producing a consistent and uniform flow of air across the entire shipment, powerful enough to ensure a perfect air exchange with the goods.
Temperature control
- Frozen mode : temperature control is accurately achieved through the return air.
- Chilled mode : temperature control is accurately achieved through the supply air flow.
Ventilation (Air Exchange Rate)
1. Refrigeration unit
2. Boxes do not extend beyond pallet
3. Deck board spacing allows vertical airflow
4. Boxes vented for vertical airflow
5. Pallet load is secured
6. Rear doors
7. Air space above cargo
8. Airflow
9. Box vents aligned
Forced circulation of cool air prevents chilled products from ripening too quickly, ensuring a longer shelf-life and maintaining the market value.
In order to remove the unwanted gas and moisture generated by respiration (which can affect quality of the products), fresh air can be exchanged at the rate of 0 to 260 m3/hour, depending on the requirements and the kind of Reefer used.
The airflow is directly influenced by the stuffing and cargo placement in the Reefer container. This is why packing goods properly is very important.
Humidity control (Dehumidification)
Humidity is a quantity of water found inside the air, very small drops of water suspended within. Humidity comes from the evaporation from the cargo itself or from the air entering the Reefer through the opened fresh air exchange system (ventilation). Many perishable products require a low level of humidity inside the container to maintain the highest quality until delivery. Most of our containers are equipped with a system that can lower the humidity within the range of 85% to 55%.
Learn more about cargo handling best practices in our dedicated page.
Features & technologies
Controlled temperature
Most perishable goods require a very specific temperature to preserve their quality during transport. CMA CGM Reefer containers can control the temperature and also provide the following features:
- High freezer
- Cold Treatment
- Multi-temperatures
High freezer
High freezer containers are ideal for products (ice-cream and frozen fish) which require extremely low temperatures (down to -40°C and below). Preserving the cold chain, this container allows the shipping of otherwise highly perishable goods anywhere in the world.
Cold Treatment
This service involves the usage of sustained cold temperatures as a mean of insect control; rigid adherence to the specified temperatures and time periods effectively eliminates certain insect infestation, complies with quarantine requirements and offers to the customer the quickest delivery time.
Multi-temperatures
Multi-temperatures system is used for some commodities, such as tomatoes or potatoes that may require temperature changes during the voyage (up to six different temperatures can be programmed).
The Principle of Multi-temperature is to apply different temperatures during the same voyage. Periods' settings are defined by the customer in order to obtain the right ripening for sensitive fruits.
MMailContact our Reefer experts should you need any help.
Controlled atmosphere
During the transport, fresh fruits and vegetables undergo different processes using oxygen (O2) and transforming into carbon dioxide (CO2) resulting in ageing and ripening. 
- CLIMACTIVE
- STARCOOL CA
Discover the most advanced Controlled Atmosphere technology within our reefer range.
Commodities : High added value products (blueberries, asparagus, etc.), Long transit time (snow peas, melons, etc.), Organic products (grapes, bananas, etc.).
This technology relies on respiration of the fruit naturally changing the gas balance inside the container. By monitoring constantly the atmosphere inside the container, the unit assures the preset gas balance.
Commodities : Banana, avocado, mango, etc.
Containers adapted to intermodal
In addition to its maritime offer, CMA CGM provides its customers with a comprehensive door-to-door service and tailor-made inland solutions (rail, road and river) for seamless continental connections.
Visit our dedicated pages to learn more about CMA CGM inland solutions.
Gensets
To guarantee that the “cold chain” remains intact throughout the journey, CMA CGM Reefer containers need a permanent supply of electricity. On board they are plugged into the vessel’s supply and on the quay into that of the terminal. Those going by road (rail or truck) are equipped with portable generators called gensets.
Containers 45’ and 33 Euro Pallet Wide
CMA CGM has 45’ Pallet Wide and 33 Euro Pallet Wide Reefer Containers adapted to multi-modal transportation, allowing a largest number of pallets to be loaded.
Contact & Help
For rates and bookings, contact your nearest Local Agency
If you have any questions regarding Reefer services, please contact our Reefer experts using our Customer Support tool.
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