Hapag-Lloyd has expanded its container fleet by ordering 11,100 additional refrigerated containers.

According to the German shipping line, the new containers will be integrated into its existing fleet of 91,000 reefers, with delivery starting in August and to be completed by December 2018.

“We experience very positive feedback from our clients on our ability to deliver consistent quality services in the reefer business,” said Clemens Holz, director of reefer products at Hapag-Lloyd. “Furthermore, we see increasing demand from clients to transport temperature sensitive goods. To benefit from additional opportunities in this attractive market segment, we have decided to increase our reefer fleet.”

Production of the first series of the new 40-foot reefers has already begun, with 2,000 to be equipped with Controlled Atmosphere technology to slow down the ripening process and extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The containers will also have cooling units with the highest level of efficiency and will consume significantly less energy, without any change in performance and temperature precision.

“The new reefer containers undergo intensive tests before they are made available for our customers to transport their valuable freight,” said Frank Nachbar, director of container engineering and maintenance at Hapag-Lloyd.

In addition to food products, Hapag-Lloyd also transports other sensitive products in reefer containers such as high-value pharmaceuticals. The new order will enable the company to expand its footprint in this segment of the market.

Including this latest order, Hapag-Lloyd has purchased a total of 30,550 new reefers since 2015 to ensure that it can offer sufficient seasonal availability to customers, particularly during peak times such as harvesting seasons of fruits and vegetables.