|
Maersk Container Industry, an independent business unit of the Maersk Group, announced that it has begun production of the first refrigerated containers and Star Cool refrigeration machines built at its new MCI facility in San Antonio, Chile.
The first trial production of these ISO standard 40-foot reefer containers were delivered during the third quarter of 2015 to Maersk Line and CMA CGM, which both placed new orders. Maersk Line has secured a fixed monthly volume from the MCI plant, allowing for faster response time to regional demand.
"In this sweet spot of fruit exporters, we have placed the factory right where the demand is. For the first time ever in South America, reefer containers can go straight from factory to farm," said Stig Hoffmeyer, CEO of MCI in the statement. "Offering the Star Cool Integrated reefers locally to shipping lines, farmers, fruit distributors and leasing companies, will have a
|
financial benefit counted in thousands of dollars per reefer, and millions for the industry in total," he continued.
Every year, MCI says more than 100,000 reefer containers are needed in Chile to cater to large exports. Adding Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, the figure would rise to 300,000 reefer containers, predicts global shipping and transportation analyst Seabury. For many years, China has, up until now, been the only country with reefer container production.
"MCI is a strategic supplier for Maersk Line. The production of the Star Cool reefer containers out of Chile means that we can immediately employ them instead of an empty relocation trip. It will help us create new business opportunities in the West Coast of South America," said Søren Toft, COO of Maersk Line.
|
