In shipping terminology, a ‘reefer’ refers to either a specialized refrigerated container or an entire ship outfitted to carry such containers, purpose-built for the sea transportation of perishable commodities like vegetables and fruits, dairy products and meats. Reefer containers are fitted with climate control mechanisms to preserve optimal environmental conditions and maintain the quality of the cargo in transit.
Meanwhile, reefer ships are different from conventional container ships both in terms of size and operational requirement. They are relatively smaller and require specific power generation and electrical distribution configurations to provide necessary cooling system support for each container. Despite the increased operational expenses and regular maintenance requirements, demand for the reefer shipping sector is growing rapidly.
