Japanese liner Ocean Network Express (ONE) is trialling the world’s first dual-temperature refrigerated container, a box developed with Pan Pacific International Holdings that is equipped with controlled atmosphere (CA) functions.
In a release, ONE states this marks the world’s first use of marine transportation of the dual-temperature refrigerated container equipped with CA functions that will transport various types of perishable goods and fruits from Japan to overseas stores of Don Quijote, the largest Japanese discount store chain operated by PPIH.
In addition to transporting two different temperature zone commodities, the container also has CA functions, which prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
A foldable partition is installed in the middle of a container to accommodate different temperature zones. The room adjacent to the reefer unit supports both chilled and frozen temperatures, maintaining cargo from -30°C to +30°C, similar to a standard refrigerated container. In the other compartment of the container, a thermal fan sends cold air through the ceiling to maintain cargo between -5°C and +30°C. Depending on a customer’s requirements, the position of the partition can be adjusted, and the partition can also be stored in the ceiling when it is not in use, turning it into a stand refrigerated container.