Ocean Network Express (ONE) announced that it is expanding its current refrigerated container (reefer) fleet by adding another 6,500 new units (including 500 units equipped with advanced Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology) to meet the growing demand for refrigerated cargo around the world.

Reefer cargo growth cited

In a statement, ONE noted that it continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to meet the demand for containerized reefer trade, which is expected to continue to grow in 2022.

"This latest addition to its reefer fleet also underlines ONE’s commitment to protecting the environment and human health. Rather than using traditional solvent-borne paint, these new units will have waterborne paint applied instead," ONE said, adding that the use of solvent-borne paint is known to release volatile organic compounds (VOC) which can pollute the environment and cause smog that impacts air quality and visibility.

It said the use of water-borne paint will help to reduce VOC emissions by 80-90%, yet it retains a similar quality to solvent-borne paint in terms of durability and anti-corrosion capabilities.

ONE added that it is also currently working towards the application of the latest Internet of Things (IoT) technology into its fleet of reefer containers which provides real-time visibility of critical information such as the temperature and humidity inside the container, thereby enhancing cargo care during the entire voyage.

"ONE continues to show our commitment to the refrigerated cargo segment with this additional investment in new reefer containers. We maintain one of the largest and youngest reefer fleets in the world, equipped with the most advanced technologies designed to handle perishable cargo demand," said Hiroki Tsujii, managing director, marketing & commercial in Ocean Network Express (ONE).

"As a socially responsible company and leader in the industry, we are also doing our part for the environment by using water-borne paint which reduces VOC emissions," he added.