| Temperature sensitive cargo should be shipped in a | | | | dioxide to cool the container. The container is |
| refrigerated container, or reefer. The use of reefers | | | | self-sufficient and does not require any special |
| has made it possible for consumers around the world | | | | ventilation or power hook-ups. The reduction in |
| to enjoy fresh produce year round. Companies that | | | | manpower combined with the ability to ship these |
| import and export refrigerated products have been | | | | containers with non-refrigerated cargo has made |
| able to expand and provide consumers with products | | | | cryogenic container shipping more popular. Liquid |
| that would not be available otherwise. Refrigerated | | | | carbon dioxide is expensive, but as fuel costs rise |
| containers are usually cooled by their own | | | | and environmental awareness is on everyone's minds, |
| refrigeration unit hooked up to an outside power | | | | it usage is becoming more common. |
| source. Combined with the right ventilation, this | | | | Refrigerated container ships are unique in the way |
| technique is relatively inexpensive and keeps cargo at | | | | that they are designed to carry these individual |
| the right temperature during shipping. Reefers are | | | | refrigerated units. They have multiple power sources |
| hooked up to generators or other power sources | | | | and generators that help keep perishable or |
| while docking, loading, unloading, and while in | | | | hazardous cargo at the right temperature setting. |
| transport. | | | | There are many fail safes and automatic generators |
| Modern ocean cargo ships are equipped with | | | | to ensure that everything is kept at the right |
| extensive ventilation systems to handle evacuating | | | | temperature. If one generator fails, another one |
| the heat that is produced by the container units. If | | | | turns on. Containers are continually inspected to |
| proper ventilation is not available, units can be cooled | | | | make sure that their compressors are functioning |
| by water. However, these units are expensive and | | | | properly. |
| aren't used very often. Refrigerated containers must | | | | Most refrigerated containers are kept above deck. |
| be powered at all times to maintain their | | | | This makes them easier to cool, inspect and manage. |
| temperatures. Ships must be specifically equipped to | | | | Containers stored below deck use a sea water |
| handle this type of power. | | | | cooling system to keep the equipment from running |
| The ocean freight industry has become increasingly | | | | too hot. Since most ocean freight companies |
| concerned with the environmental impact of using | | | | generate a lot of their income transporting |
| containers that create emissions and burn fuel. State | | | | refrigerated cargo, they take great care in managing |
| of the art cryogenic refrigeration units have become | | | | and ensuring the safe transport of these |
| more and more popular. These units use carbon | | | | temperature sensitive items. |