Ensuring the safe transportation of refrigerated cargo is a critical task that demands careful planning, coordination, and teamwork. The integrity of these goods, from perishables to pharmaceuticals, requires strict monitoring to maintain ideal conditions from start to finish. A single misstep can easily lead to spoilage, financial loss, and even safety hazards.
However, unexpected challenges can arise at any stage during the cold chain, and how the vessel crew responds can make all the difference in safeguarding the shipment. From extreme weather conditions to equipment malfunctions, multiple measures are taken to secure the cargo:
1. Ensuring the Vessel is ‘Reefer-Ready’
Before a reefer container is loaded onto a vessel, it is essential to confirm that the vessel is properly equipped to accommodate it. Each vessel has a set capacity for reefers, but unforeseen challenges can arise, requiring creative solutions to maintain the correct temperature for the cargo throughout the journey. This involves more than just verifying the availability of reefer plugs – it also includes ensuring that the vessel has sufficient power capacity, the necessary extensions, spare parts, and repair tools in case of equipment failure during transit.
Onboard Challenges, Solved
When a reefer malfunctioned late at night during a weekend, no technicians were available. Relying on the vessel’s spare equipment and troubleshooting protocols, the crew quickly resolved the issue, preventing cargo damage.
When a reefer malfunctioned late at night during a weekend, no technicians were available. Relying on the vessel’s spare equipment and troubleshooting…
2. Inventory and Ongoing Maintenance
Reefer equipment is essential to keeping cargo safe, and any malfunction can put the cargo at significant risk. To minimize this, the operations teams conduct regular inventory checks – both quarterly and annually – to track and replenish necessary spare parts on the vessel. This proactive approach ensures that if something goes wrong mid-voyage, the crew has the right tools to resolve the issue immediately.
The Maintenance and Repair (M&R) department plays a vital role in this process, monitoring equipment functionality and identifying any missing components before, during and after a voyage. If a vessel reports missing inventory, the M&R department ensures the missing parts are delivered as soon as possible, prioritizing reefers to avoid costly delays.
3. Managing High-Value and Cold-Treatment Reefers
Some refrigerated cargo, such as high-value perishables or shipments requiring special Cold Treatment, demands added precautions. Operations teams work closely with the Reefer Department to ensure these containers are strategically placed onboard, often in the first tier, where they can be easily accessed, monitored, or repaired if needed. This information is also shared with the vessel’s crew before the voyage to ensure the cargo plan accommodates these requirements.
The vessel’s crew is also required to send reefer report logs upon arrival at each port, detailing what was loaded and unloaded, along with temperature readings. This helps ensure no reefer is mistakenly accepted with an improper temperature setting, preventing sudden spikes that could compromise the cargo.
Onboard Challenges, Solved
During a rough sea voyage, multiple reefers malfunctioned due to waves breaking on deck. Recognizing the risk to both the cargo and the crew, the captain changed direction, allowing an electrician to fix the issue safely and secure the cargo.
During a rough sea voyage, multiple reefers malfunctioned due to waves breaking on deck. Recognizing the risk to both the cargo and the crew, the capt…
4. Proactive Reefer Protection and Monitoring
Multiple layers of backup systems are always in place to ensure no reefer issue goes unnoticed. If a reefer is physically damaged or has faulty engine components, measures are taken to prevent air leaks or cooling failures mid-voyage. Even when reefers arrive at the port in seemingly good condition, some may have hidden damage. This is where constant monitoring becomes essential.
With long sea routes, operations ensure that every vessel is equipped with the necessary tools to address potential equipment failure during transit. Here’s how:
Routine Reefer Checks
The vessel’s crew checks the reefers at least twice a day – morning and evening. For high-value cargo, an extra check in the afternoon adds another layer of security.
The vessel’s crew checks the reefers at least twice a day – morning and evening. For high-value cargo, an extra check in the afternoon adds another la…
Rapid Response to Malfunctions
Any malfunctions trigger immediate alerts. The Operations and M&R department coordinate repairs, offering remote technical assistance or arranging for a technician at the next port.
Any malfunctions trigger immediate alerts. The Operations and M&R department coordinate repairs, offering remote technical assistance or arranging…
24/7 Monitored Alerts
The ZIMonitor device tracks temperature, humidity, GPS location, route deviations and door openings. If issues like power loss or communication failures occur, global service teams work with operations to resolve them.
The ZIMonitor device tracks temperature, humidity, GPS location, route deviations and door openings. If issues like power loss or communication failur…
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