GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Reefer Container
When perishable goods need to travel by sea, the reefer container – fitted with an integrated refrigeration unit – keeps them at the required temperature throughout the voyage.
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Source: https://www.coscoshipping.com
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Definition & Explanation
When perishable goods need to travel by sea, the reefer container – fitted with an integrated refrigeration unit – keeps them at the required temperature throughout the voyage. It maintains precise conditions across a range typically spanning –25 °C to +25 °C, making it essential for fresh produce, meat, fish, dairy, and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. At sea, the unit draws power from the vessel's electrical grid; in port, it connects to terminal shore-power outlets. Standard sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot, with the 40-foot high-cube reefer the dominant choice on major cold-chain corridors. Carriers apply reefer surcharges on top of base freight to cover electricity consumption and remote monitoring – costs that shippers must factor into their cold-chain budgets from the outset.
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