Reefer containers & technologies

With over 385,000 TEUs, CMA CGM owns the second largest fleet of refrigerated containers in the world. Designed for the transport of perishable goods in a controlled temperature environment, these containers come in different sizes and are equipped with the latest technologies.

How does a refrigerated container work?

All CMA CGM refrigerated containers are bottom air delivery units designed to distribute chilled air from the floor, via specific T-shaped decking (also named T-Floor). This design has 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.

Download our Reefer brochure on our dedicated page

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 -40°C and below to +30°C. With an average age of seven years, our Reefer fleet is one of the youngest and most technologically advanced in the industry.

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• 20'RF
• 40'RH
• 45'RW

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

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.

All our Reefer containers distribute chilled or frozen air from the floor to the entire shipment in a consistent, uniform way, and always with enough power to maintain an ideal exchange of air between the goods.
To meet your refrigerated cargo needs, the temperature of the units can be maintained even in the most difficult conditions.

Controlling the temperature

1. Frozen mode: temperature control is accurately achieved through the return air.
2. Chilled mode: temperature control is accurately achieved through the supply air flow.

Ventilation

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.

Thanks to our ability to renew fresh air inside our container at a rate of 0 to 260m3/hour thus removing unwanted gas and moisture from the containers all along the way, we prevent your chilled products from ripening too quickly, maintaining their market value and ensuring a longer shelf-life.

The airflow inside a Reefer container is directly influenced by the stuffing and cargo placement. That’s why it’s so important to pack the goods correctly.

Learn more about cargo handling best practices in our dedicated page.

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 the one of the terminal. Those going by road (rail or truck) are equipped with portable generators called gensets.

A large part of our refrigerated containers are equipped with modems that directly connect them to the ship’s bridge. Should any critical parameter change, an alarm signal immediately alerts the technicians who rapidly intervene to resolve the issue.

Features & technologies

Controlling atmosphere

Modifying the nature of the air in the container (specifically CO2 and O2 levels) significantly slows down the ripening process of fresh produce and lengthens the storage period.

CMA CGM is able to provide various types of technologies developed by manufacturers (AFAM+, Liventus, Purfresh, Xtenfresh, Star Cool CA, Daikin).

Controlling 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:

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• High freezer
• Cold Treatment
• Multi-temperatures

High freezer

High freezer containers are ideal for products like ice-cream and frozen fish which require extremely low temperatures (down to -35°CA and below). Preserving the cold chain, this container allows the shipping of otherwise highly sensitive goods anywhere in the world.

Cold Treatment

Cold Treatment is a highly precise process where goods (usually fruits) are kept at a specific and accurate temperature for a predetermined and uninterrupted period.

It ensures the removal of possible parasites without requiring pesticides or fumigation and without damage to the commodity involved.

Those period of time and specific temperature are established by phytosanitary authorities of the importing countries to protect their agricultural industry from unwanted pests such as fruit flies.

Most importers are required to use Cold Treatment for regulatory reasons and it is under your carrier responsibility to deliver.

To avoid any financial impact in case of cold treatment technical failure, CMA CGM offer a Cold Treatment Guarantee to its clients.

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.

Controlling humidity

Humidity control means 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).

Various products require a reduced level of humidity inside the container. CMA CGM Reefer containers are equipped with a system capable of controlling the humidity within the range of 95% to 55%.

A large variety of fruits don’t need humidity control.

Continuous monitoring

During the journey

CMA CGM’s Reefer experts monitor the containers at every stage of the journey to ensure they are functioning correctly:

• On entering and leaving the container yard
• When being loaded on to a train or truck
• When parked in the port terminal
• During the voyage on board ship

Throughout the journey, CMA CGM staff regularly monitors the Reefer containers using an electronic microprocessor and data-loggers, which record all parameters even when the Reefer is unplugged.

The data-logger gives us information on:

• Supply air temperature
• Return air temperature
• Ambient temperature
• Cargo temperature (optional)
• Humidity level

Other actions which could impact on the quality of the merchandise are also monitored and recorded:

• Tuning operations
• Modifying the parameters
• Interventions
• Breakdowns
• Alarms

Modem

A large majority of the units in the CMA CGM Reefer fleet are equipped with modems, providing constant communication with the ship’s bridge. In case of problem, an alarm signal immediately alerts the technicians ensuring a quick action.

The majority of our Reefer containers are equipped with modems that directly connect them to the ship’s bridge. Should any critical parameter change, an alarm signal immediately alerts the technicians who rapidly intervene to resolve the issue.

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 MMailcontact our Reefer experts.

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