Refrigeration equipment supplier Daikin Reefer has appointed Ah Huat Goh as its new general manager of global marketing and service of the reefer container department.

According to Daikin, the reefer segment continues to expand, with advances in controlled-atmosphere technologies enabling the transportation of new types of products on a wider range of routes.

“Having been wholly focused on reefer technology development including controlled-atmosphere technology and its development for the reefer business since the 90s, I’ve experienced perspectives of both reefer manufacturer and shipping company,” said Goh. “During my career, I have also invested significant energy in understanding the growers’ needs.

In my opinion, active CA technology has clear benefits over passive solutions, and I’m excited about the potential of Daikin’s Active CA, as I can see that it represents a new and innovative approach to cargo care.”

Daikin’s new Active CA solution is adapted from the company’s oxygen concentrator and is based on vacuum pressure swing adsorption, an active atmosphere separation technology which can create the optimal controlled atmosphere very quickly. It uses the mineral adsorbent zeolite to capture a large quantity of nitrogen from the air and transfer it into the reefer container, reducing oxygen levels without the need for additional nitrogen gas injection. The nitrogen puts the fresh produce to ‘sleep’ in a matter of a day or so, minimizing water loss and leading to a longer shelf life at the destination.

Before joining Daikin, Goh spent 14 years as director of technical services for global reefer trade at APL, where he reviewed and developed reefer technology and cargo management. Prior to that, Goh acted as regional service manager for Carrier Transicold for 13 years.

“Daikin is serious about Active CA and its future potential, and the appointment of Mr Ah Huat Goh, with his wealth of knowledge and expertise, illustrates that commitment,” said Shin Furuta, president of Daikin Reefer. “With advances in technology, shipping is now capable of taking cargoes that previously had to be carried by expensive air freight. We believe that Active CA will provide shipping lines with the capability and versatility needed to better compete for new cargoes, such as cut flowers. Shippers will benefit from the cost reduction achieved through transportation by sea rather than air.”

In addition to high-respiring cargo such as avocadoes and bananas, Active CA allows for the transportation of cherries and blueberries, which are generally considered difficult to transport under passive CA due to their low respiration rates, according to Daikin.