Reefer fleet operator welcomes next-generation vessel as part of plan to boost capacity, reliability and performance
Reefer fleet operator Cool Carriers has embarked on a major expansion of its capacity after taking delivery of the first of seven next-generation ships.
The vessels, referred to as Snow Class, are being built by Kitanihon Shipbuilding in Japan and are said to offer better reliability and environmental performance.
According to Cool Carriers, each vessel is designed to carry 5,000 high-cube pallets of perishable fruit, along with up to 168 reefer containers, at a service speed of 18 knots.
Two of the vessels being built have capacities of over 630,000 cubic feet, while five have capacities of 660,000 cubic feet.
Each one features modern hull and propulsion designs, including energy-efficient engines engineered to meet stringent IMO and EU environmental regulations through to 2030 and beyond, the group said.
Last week, it welcomed Snow Flower, the first to sail off the production line. The other ships are due to be delivered between now and 2028, with two more scheduled for this calendar year.
“With a 2.5-metre deck height, these vessels represent a major step forward for the specialised reefer industry,” said Glenn Selling, chief operating officer at Cool Carriers.
“Exporters will no longer need to choose between standard and high-cube pallets – the new vessels are designed entirely for high-cube cargo, matching the internal height of modern reefer containers.”
Cool Carriers serves a number of key fresh produce trade routes around the globe, including New Zealand kiwifruit to Europe, Chilean produce to the US, Ecuadorean banana exports, and growing volumes of fruit from South Africa and Argentina to Europe.
