Ro-ro innovation won't save reefer lines, but fewer ships might

© Khunaspix Dreamstime.

Temperature-controlled ships with roll-on roll-off capability are unlikely to solve the existential challenge faced by the conventional reefer shipping industry.

That is the assessment from Dynamar’s Dirk Visser, who spoke to The Coolstar recently about the shipping consultancy’s latest annual appraisal of the global reefer container and conventional reefer industries.

Last year, another consultant, Reefer Intel, joined forces with ro-ro operator Stena to unveil designs for an as-yet-unbuilt LNG-powered reefer ship, pitched as a response to fruit producers’ continuing migration towards container ...