ONE adds 14,000 new reefers as box carriers continue to target the cool chain

Carriers are pumping huge investment into their reefer fleets as cool chain demand grows and returns on traditional boxes dwindle.

Last week Hapag-Lloyd announced an order for more than 11,000 reefers, only to be gazumped by ONE yesterday revealing it had ordered 14,000.

Chief executive Jeremy Nixon said the network, comprising three Japanese container lines, had one of the “largest and youngest” reefer fleets in the world.

He said the new investment would “broaden” ONE’s market position.

“As one of the top reefer carriers, we’ll continue to strive to find innovative solutions to enhance cargo care during transit. The future journey of ONE in the reefer market will be an exciting one to follow.”

Comprising 13,000 40ft and 1,000 20ft units, ONE has already begun taking delivery of the reefers, with expectations that they will be fully integrated for the peak season.

The director of reefer products at Hapag-Lloyd, Clemens Holz, said he was also hoping to have the new reefers by December, with deliveries starting this month.

“We experience very positive feedback from our clients on our ability to deliver consistent quality services in the reefer business,” she said. “Furthermore, we see increasing demand from clients to transport temperature-sensitive goods.”

Drewry director and head of research products Martin Dixon told The Coolstar he could see nothing to jeopardise the growth rates seen in the reefer industry. This. he added, had come at the expense of the specialised reefer operators.

“Container shipping lines are upping their game and offering very competitive rates and greater flexibility,” Mr Dixon said. “Given limited newbuild orders and the age of the remaining [specialised] fleet, we expect the capacity in this sector to continue to decline.”

With its latest order, Hapag-Lloyd will have a fleet of more than 100,000 reefer containers, with more than 30,000 purchased in the past three years.