News / Reefer challenges take a bite out of booming global perishables trade

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Shortages of reefer containers and escalating costs are affecting global flows of perishables.

Some producers may pivot to domestic markets, but the international growth potential is mouth-watering.

Reefer vessels are enjoying a renaissance these days, with time charter rates up in the triple-digit range from pre-pandemic levels and, according to one broker, utilisation of these vessels has been close to 100%.

Before the pandemic, reefer vessels were struggling, as shippers had embraced containerships as the preferred way of sending perishables overseas by ocean ...