News / Ripples from global pandemic helped reefer sector make a comeback

This year’s supply chain upheaval has proved a “silver lining” for the conventional reefer sector.

In January, Netherlands-based analyst Dynamar predicted a “stormy” year for conventional reefer shipping, with the expected surge in fuel costs from IMO 2020 likely to accelerate scrapping and the switch to refrigerated containers.

However, just weeks later, the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan – and its subsequent spread around the world – would spark unexpected demand for conventional reefer operators.

Dynamar explained: “In the early stages of the global ...