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The StarConomy reefer control software designed by Maersk Container Industry (MCI), in conjunction with fruit giant Dole, supports reefer container operators by allowing them to maximize the value of their refrigerated cargoes in MCI's Star Cool units.
MCI says the software's goal is to reduce operating costs and ultimately meet the industry's sustainability objectives to reduce CO2 emissions.
If a typical fruit multinational operating their own fleet of four vessels with 500 reefers each were to upgrade to the software, the annual financial savings on a single route, such as Ecuador to the UK, would be over $2 million. For a container line with a six-vessel service from Ecuador to Russia, also with 500 plugs, the annual savings would be an estimated $3.2 million, the statement said.
MCI says StarConomy's revolutionary feature is its ability to control both compressor and fan speed at the same time. With the new software, MCI's R&D team in Denmark were able to maintain the same precise temperature control inside the reefer while matching the airflow to the varying requirements of specific cargoes.
"The StarConomy software begins by rapidly
cooling the produce with the fans at full speed. When the temperature set point is reached, fan speed is reduced and energy optimization can begin," said Morten Nylykke, general manager
of refrigeration technology, MCI. "StarConomy
has proved to meet the needs of Dole, a long
term customer, and we are looking forward to
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offering this new software to our entire Star Cool
customer base."
StarConomy can be installed on all new Star Cool units while a simple software update can make it available on all existing Star Cool units installed in operations of more than 40 operators. MCI conducted the field test on Dole's weekly South America to Europe route.
"When it comes to reefer container transport, (Dole) preserves and transports the fruit safely using as little energy as possible, thus reducing our carbon footprint," said Karina Rodriguez, Dole equipment manager. "To take the next leap in this field, Dole worked with Star Cool in developing and field-testing the innovative StarConomy software that we are now using in all Star Cool reefers in our global operations."
To view video the StarConomy video on the new technology: www.youtube.com
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