MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
MOL LINER
GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
1
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
1. MOL Liner Reefer Services
MOL Liner reefer services have continued to expand in scope
and capability to support MOL’s customers’ growing needs in
seaborne container transportation of perishable and
atmosphere-sensitive cargoes. MOL’s dedicated global reefer
management team, backed by a worldwide network of experts
in sales and operations, is committed to support the valued
customers who significantly contribute to global commerce.
Whenever and wherever it is needed, MOL Liner’s
worldwide network is there to support you with
incomparable quality services.
For general information, please contact your local MOL office.
For specific technical questions, please contact the MOL Reefer Help Desk through email:
reeferhelpdesk@mol-liner.com. We are committed to respond back to you within 2
business days (Saturday, Sunday, and National Holidays in Hong Kong excluded).
2
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
2. Our Reefer Equipment
All MOL equipment is built in collaboration with the
manufacturers to meet our strict quality control
standards, and conforms to standards set by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is
also TIR certified to comply with international
transportation requirements and relevant national laws
and regulations.
A reefer container consists of a container shell, with a heat-insulated
foam layer, and a refrigeration unit. The temperature setting is
typically adjusted between -30oC and +30oC, although more extreme
temperatures can be accommodated depending on equipment
model and specification of the refrigeration unit.
Reefer containers are used for transporting temperature-sensitive cargoes. These mainly
consist of foodstuffs such as meat, seafood, dairy products, beverages, fruits and vegetables.
Non-food items, like live plants, photographic film, chemical and pharmaceutical products
are also commonly transported in reefer containers. MOL’s reefer container fleet comprises
two sizes: 20’ and 40’ High Cube. The chart below gives details of the dimensions and
weights of our reefer containers.
*Photos: MOL Reefer Container
3
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
20' (8'6"high)
Type
40' (9'6"high)
R20201S
Z40201S
(L)
6,058mm(19'10"1/2)
12,192mm(40'0")
(W)
2,438mm(8'0")
2,438mm(8'0")
(H)
2,591mm(8'6")
2,896mm(9'6")
(L)
5,460mm(17'10"61/64)
11,581mm(37'11"15/16)
(W)
2,284mm(7'5"59/64)
2,290mm(7'6"3/16)
(H)
2,263mm(7'5"3/32)
2,542mm(8'4"1/16)
28.2m3(996cft)
67.4m3(2,380cft)
(W)
2,290mm(7'6"5/32)
2,290mm(7'6"5/32)
(H)
2,224mm(7'3"9/16)
2,506mm(8'2"11/16)
Tare Weight
3,090kg(6,810lbs)
4,700kg(10,360lbs)
Max Payload
27,390kg(60,390lbs)
29,300kg(64,600lbs)
Max Gross Weight
30,480kg(67,200lbs)
34,000kg(74,960lbs)
MOL Spec. No. (example)
External Dim.
Internal Dim.
Interior Capacity
Door Open
In the structural design for the bottom air circulation system, reefer containers have
corrugated interior walls and a T-floor to facilitate air passage throughout the container.
For effective temperature control, careful cargo stacking is necessary to avoid blocking or
impeding air flow, which is critical in achieving optimal air circulation around or through the
cargo.
*Air flow illustration example, adapted from Carrier Transicold
Adjustable ventilation ports are available to help avoiding fresh fruits from excessive
ripening during transportation. Most MOL reefer containers also contain a dehumidification
function, which not only keeps fresh fruits in desired condition during voyages, but also
protects other humidity-sensitive commodities such as live plants, flower bulbs, vegetables,
and so forth. Reefer containers are equipped with automatic defrosters to prevent the loss
of refrigeration resulting from frost generated by moisture in the condenser coils or the
ventilation ports. Additional components and devices for Cold Treatment or Atmosphere
Control can also be installed onto the reefer containers, depending on the regulatory
requirements or specific optimal cargo carriage conditions of particular commodities.
4
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
3. Our Reefer Service Features
Reefer transportation services are mainly used to handle perishable cargoes like meat, fruits
and vegetables, with the advantage of minimizing decay, controlling ripening, and retaining
food quality to the best possible condition for consumers, even after being transported long
distances. Some chemical and pharmaceutical products are moved by reefer services to
avoid decomposition or deterioration of the products which can take place during allweather-exposed transportation. For many cargoes, maintaining an appropriate ambient
condition through proper operational handling is indispensable for every step of the supply
chain – from packing, storing, loading, transporting, and unpacking, to delivery to the end
consumer. Ocean reefer transportation is a key part of this supply chain, and modern
technology allows us to control the temperature, humidity and even the air composition
inside our containers for the entire voyage, ensuring safe and optimal transportation
conditions for the products.
Ventilation
Our reefer containers enable adjustment of the fresh air ventilation level for the purpose of
diluting or removing undesirable gases (for example, ethylene and CO2) generated by the
cargo inside the container during the transportation period. This can reduce or eliminate
negative effects such as the acceleration of the ripening process or flavor loss of some
commodities. The necessity and quantity of air exchange depends on commodity type and
condition at the time of loading.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is the most critical function of any reefer services. Temperature has
the largest effect on the respiration of produce and bacterial growth. A temperature
increase of 10°C will result in an approximate doubling of the respiration rate of fruit; while
lowering the temperature will substantially reduce the growth rate of micro-organisms.
However, an optimal temperature set point, which is commodity-specific, is needed as too
low a temperature may also cause adverse effects like chill injury of fruits, meat texture
changes, or crystallization of some chemical products.
It should be noted that reefer equipment is designed to regulate temperature inside the
container in relation to the cargo pre-loading condition, rather than removing heat
absorbed by cargo before or during its loading. Hence, proper pre-treatment and precooling of cargo, as well as proper handling in the appropriate ambient conditions during
container loading and unloading, are crucial to maintain cargoes in the best possible
condition.
Reefer cargoes are generally classified according to the storage temperature as below:
Type
Frozen
Partial-Frozen
Chilled
Light-Chilled
Temp. Range
-10oC and below
-3oC to -10oC
-3oC to +5oC
+5oC to +25oC
Typical Commodities
Meat, Fish, butter
Meat
Fruits, Vegetables, Chilled Meat
Fruits, Vegetables, Films
Comment
Completely frozen
Partially frozen
Lowest temp. above freezing
Temp. to reduce deterioration
5
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
The optimal temperature set-point is commodity-specific. To fulfill certain regulatory
requirements, upon request a temperature record during the transport service can be
retrieved from the equipment after cargo delivery and equipment return.
Dehumidification
The reefer machine unit features a dehumidifier to lower the humidity level inside the
container. Typical usage includes the transportation of flower bulbs and precision
instruments. The humidity level can be reduced to a set percentage during voyage to
provide the desirable environment for the cargo. The correct setting also serves the purpose
of complying with some import regulatory requirements, for example, acquiring the ATODLO certification from the Netherlands Agricultural Ministry for the transportation of flower
bulbs.
Atmosphere Control
Atmosphere control is the process by which the internal gas atmosphere of the reefer
container is changed, regulated or enhanced in order to reduce the decay and ripening of
fresh produce. Food quality is better maintained, enabling a longer transit time, wider
geographical distribution, and extended shelf life.
Perishables, especially climacteric fruits and vegetables, continue to live and breathe after
harvesting and during transportation to the consumer. Various technical development and
techniques have been developed to slow down the rate of respiration and extend the shelflife of perishables, including storage atmosphere control and treatment of foodstuffs prior
to and during transportation. Normal air mainly comprises 21% oxygen (O2), 0.038% carbon
dioxide (CO2) and 78% nitrogen (N2). During respiration, fruits and vegetables take in
oxygen and emit carbon dioxide and ethylene. By altering the composition of oxygen and
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the respiration rate of perishable products can be slowed
down and the storage life is extended. Below are several atmosphere control technologies
commonly employed in today’s reefer transportation:

Modified Atmosphere (MA) refers to the technology which changes the composition or
concentration of gases inside the reefer container. Typically, nitrogen is injected in the
container from an external source during cargo loading to replace oxygen. With a low oxygen
atmosphere, respiration and ethylene production of fruit and vegetables are significantly
reduced, which in turn slows down ripening and decay.

Controlled Atmosphere (CA) refers to the technology which actively regulates a modified
atmosphere composition. The initial composition of gases is maintained for the duration of
storage/transit by the addition or removal of undesirable gases controlled by a regulating device
installed on the reefer container.

Ozone Enhanced Atmosphere is the active introduction of ozone into the internal atmosphere
of the container, which has the effect of preserving the cargo. Regulated amounts of ozone are
released into the reefer container throughout its journey, which reduces microbial decay and
slows ripening for commodities such as climacteric fruit and vegetables by decomposing the
ethylene they generate.
6
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
Selection and application of the atmosphere control technology is commodity-specific. MOL
works closely with a number of atmosphere control technology providers in the market, (for
example, Transfresh, MAXtend, Purfresh), enabling the company to offer customers a range
of transportation solutions, whatever their requirements are. For specific information,
please contact your local MOL office or email reeferhelpdesk@mol-liner.com.
Cold Treatment
Cold treatment (or sometimes called cold sterilization) is a common practice in
containerized reefer services. In cold treatment, an uninterrupted and sufficiently low
temperature is maintained for a predetermined duration in order to kill any insects and
larvae that may be hidden in perishable cargo (for example, citrus, apples, grapes, lychees,
and so forth). Temperature probes that measure and record the internal temperature of the
cargo at specific locations inside the reefer container are installed and connected to the
reefer unit controller for subsequent temperature record verification. This practice is
usually applied to fulfill the quarantine exemption requirement as stipulated by the sanitary
laws and regulations of the importing countries. Required treatment duration, the number
of probes and their installed locations inside the container are specified in the protocol
which is mutually agreed upon between the authorities of the export and import countries.
4. Reefer Handling Precaution and Booking Checklist
The efficiency and effectiveness of reefer containers to perform their purpose in controlling
the internal temperature and atmosphere is largely dependent on the pre-loading
conditions of cargo and proper packing and stowage to enable the desirable air circulation
around and through the cargo inside the container. Improper handling during the reefer
loading operation not only affects the performance level of the reefer equipment, but also
causes serious damage to both the reefer machine unit and the cargo itself. The following is
a reference checklist used for loading operations:
Before Loading
- A (Pre-Trip Inspection) PTI of the reefer container should be done to ensure the
equipment is in good operating condition.
- Pre-cleaning the container to make sure there is no debris on or beneath the T-floor.
- Check and clean the T-floor to ensure the air channel is clear all the way from the
panel to the door and free from debris.
- Pre-treat products appropriately and pack them with sufficient protection.
- Pre-cool products to reach the desired carriage temperature range
-
Note: Stuffing hot products may damage both the equipment and cargo!
Pre-cooling of container is not recommended.
The exception is the case in which the cargo loading is performed at a cold facility
with a temperature-conditioned loading bay connected to the container. The
container may be pre-cooled to the appropriate loading temperature.
7
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
During Loading
- Do not keep the reefer unit switched-on while the container doors are open, as this
could allow condensation and moisture to develop, which in turn could induce cargo
mold and decay.
- Do not store cargo beyond the end of the T-floor, and ensure there is no blockage at
the end of the T-floor channel.
- Do not load above the loading red-line indicated on the container wall, as this will
block the return air flow.
- The total floor surface must be covered to avoid short-circuiting of cold air
circulation.
- Load cargo as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Stowage
Frozen Cargo Stowage
- Stowage design is relatively straightforward. As the frozen cargo should have been
appropriately pre-cooled to the desired temperature before loading, air circulation
should be aimed at blocking and preventing heat penetrating from outside the
container.
- Ensure proper corner support of cartons or pallets, according to their weight and
loading pressure.
- The entire floor must be evenly loaded and covered.
- Arrange cargo in a solid block, leaving no space between the packages/cartons and
no space between the cargo and the walls of the container.
- Stowage must not exceed the red-line to avoid air circulation blockage. The aim is to
allow air circulation “around” the entire cargo load.
- Ventilation and Dehumidification must be set to “Off”. Drain port must be “Closed”.
Chilled Cargo Stowage
- Stowage is designed to allow proper air circulation and flow-through of the entire
cargo load so that heat, vapor, CO2, and other gases produced by the respiration
process from chilled perishable products can be removed.
- Proper air passages should be present on the packaging, with particular attention to
the size, number, and position of vent holes on cartons, to allow refrigerated air to
circulate through all the cargo in the container.
- Proper packaging (for example, packaging style, package material, and so forth) must
be used to support stacking weight and sustainability at various humidity levels.
- Shrink-wrap, slip-sheet, foam trays, plastic bags, and so forth that block or obstruct
air passage should not be used.
- If cargo cannot cover entire floor, cardboard can be used to cover empty spaces to
avoid short circuit of the refrigerated airflow.
- There must be no stowage above the indicated red line on the container walls to
avoid impeding return air flow.
8
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
Booking Information Checklist
Customer should provide the following critical shipment information during booking:









Specific Origin and Destination.
A detailed description of the product(s) being shipped, e.g. commodity, quantity,
weight, cubic measurement, and type of packaging (boxed, drums, pallets, hanging
carcass, and so forth).
Preferred equipment size (20’ or 40’HC).
Preferred temperature set-point (specify in °F or °C).
Fresh-air exchange requirements (specify in CFM or CMH).
Modified or controlled atmosphere requirements.
The date when the product is available at the point of origin and the required
delivery date at the destination.
Special handling requirements (e.g. dehumidification % level, Cold Treatment, and so
forth).
If container pre-cooling is required, the booking office should be informed.
9
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
5. References
Commodity Handling Reference
Information regarding the proper handling and optimal storage conditions of commodities
such as fruit, vegetables and meat is readily available from various industry sources and
academic research institutes. For general reference and convenience of the reader, below
are several examples of sources available in the public domain with comprehensive
information:
http://www.ppecb.com/images-1/PPECBExportDirectory2010Part3%20-%20PPECB%20Blue%20Book%202010.pdf
-
Procedural Manual on General Procedures, Loading and Carrying Temperature
Requirements for the Export of Perishable Products,
Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) of South Africa
http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/Producefacts/index.shtml
-
Produce Facts,
University of California Postharvest Technology Research and Information Center
http://www.ba.ars.usda.gov/hb66/index.html
-
Draft version of USDA Agricultural Handbook Number 66,
Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture
Reefer Set-Point Reference
The tables below show the reefer set-point guidelines for various commodities. The
recommended parameters shown are based on industry research with assumptions, and
should be used purely as reference only. Optimal parameters are always dependent on
variables like the specific commodity cultivars, post-harvest conditions, pre-loading
conditions, origin of product, and so forth. Shippers are responsible for determining the
optimal settings best suited for their cargo.
Recommended
Temperature (C)
Fruits & Vegetables
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Blueberries
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflowers
Celery
Cherries
Clementines
Cucumbers
Durians
Figs
Garlic
Ginger
Grapefruits
Grapes
Min
-1
Recommended
Temperature (F)
Max
+4
Min
+30
+2
+13
+32
+38
0
+1
0
+31
+32
+28
0
0
+3
+32
+14
-1
0
-2
+32
+34
+32
+32
+32
+32
0
+4
+13
+4
+30
+32
+50
+38
0
0
+13
+10
-1
+36
+55
+57
0
0
0
-1
0
+10
+3
Max
+40
+32
+39
+55
+40
+32
+32
+55
+16
0
+50
+31
+61
+32
Ventilation setting
(CMH)
25 - 60
15 - 60
20 - 30
40 - 60
15 - 25
0 - 10
20 - 50
15 - 30
20 - 25
20 - 60
20 - 25
0 - 25
20 - 60
15 - 25
15 - 50
0 - 10
10 - 20
10 - 20
15 - 25
10 - 20
Storage Days
90 - 240
7 - 14
14 - 21
14 - 28
7 - 28
7 - 14
7 - 14
7 - 120
28 - 180
14 - 21
14 - 42
14 - 21
7 - 50
7 - 14
7 - 50
7 - 14
90 - 180
30 - 90
28 - 60
30 - 150
10
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.
MOL GLOBAL REEFER SERVICES
(v201104/LRM/AN)
Fruits & Vegetables
Kiwifruit
Leeks
Lemons
Lettuce
Limes
Lychees
Mangoes
Melons (cantaloupe)
Melons (honeydew)
Onions (dry)
Oranges
Papayas
Peaches/ Nectarines
Pears
Pineapples
Plantains
Plums
Potatoes
Potatoes (sweet)
Pumpkins
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Turnips
Recommended
Temperature (C)
0
0
+12
+14
0
+8
+13
+2
+6
+10
+14
+3
+5
+9
+13
0
+2
+2
+9
+7
+13
0
-1
0
+8
+13
+9
+15
0
+4
+8
+12
+16
+7
+13
0
+10
+15
0
+4
Recommended
Temperature (F)
+32
+32
+54
+57
+32
+46
+55
+36
+43
+50
+57
+37
+41
+48
+55
+32
+36
+36
+48
+45
+55
+32
+31
+32
+46
+55
+48
+59
+32
+39
+46
+54
+61
+45
+55
+32
+50
+59
+32
+39
Ventilation setting
(CMH)
15 - 25
15 - 60
15 - 25
20 - 30
15 - 25
10 - 20
25 - 35
25 - 30
25 - 30
10 - 25
15 - 25
25 - 30
15 - 20
15 - 50
15 - 25
15 - 25
15 - 25
15 - 50
Close
0 - 15
10 - 25
15 - 25
Close
Others (Dairy, Meat, Seafood, etc.)
Butter
Butter (frozen)
Cheese
Chocolate
Eggs
Fish (frozen)
Ice Cream
Juice and Concentrate (frozen)
Meat (chilled)
Meat (frozen)
Milk & Dairy Products
Poultry (frozen)
Shellfish (frozen)
Vegetables (frozen)
Recommended
Temperature (C)
Min
Max
0
+2
-30
-20
0
+4
+10
+18
-2
+1
-30
-20
-30
-26
-30
-20
-2
0
-30
-20
0
+1
-30
-20
-30
-20
-30
-20
Recommended
Temperature (F)
Min
Max
+32
+35
-22
-4
+32
+39
+50
65
+28
+34
-22
-4
-22
-15
-22
-4
+28
+32
-22
-4
+32
+34
-22
-4
-22
-4
-22
-4
Ventilation setting
(CMH)
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Storage Days
60 - 90
30 - 90
30 - 120
7 - 21
14 - 56
21 - 35
14 - 21
7 - 14
16 - 20
30 - 180
14 - 90
14 - 21
14 - 28
14 - 180
14 - 21
7 - 28
7 - 35
30 - 180
30 - 180
60 - 90
5 - 10
14 - 21
7 - 28
Storage Days
14 - 65
11
Disclaimer
The MOL Global Reefer Services profile is provided as a general reference. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of the information provided, MOL shall accept no liability for technical or editorial errors or omissions in the contents contained
in this section; nor for any damage, including but not limited to direct, incidental or consequential damages resulting from or arising out of
the use of the information contained herein.