Greener Reefers in international maritime transport

Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) in the context of the International Climate Initiative (IKI)

Partner countries: Costa Rica and South Africa

Implementing partners: Costa Rica - Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía – MINAE (Ministry of Environment and Energy); South Africa - Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)

Duration: 04/2023 until 10/2026

🌊 Why it matters

Maritime transport moves 80% of global trade and accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A key part of this sector is the fast-growing use of refrigerated containers ("reefers"), with over 1.5 million units transporting perishable goods like fruits, meat, and medicine across oceans every day. 

While essential for global trade, reefer containers contribute significantly to emissions—mainly due to energy-intensive cooling systems and the use of high-GWP refrigerants and PFAS chemicals. Without intervention, their climate impact will continue to grow.

💡 The Greener Reefers Solution

The Greener Reefers project aims to drive the transition to climate-friendly maritime refrigeration by combining innovation, training, and alignment with global climate goals. This include:

• Piloting energy-efficient containers that use natural refrigerants (GWP < 11)
• Training technicians to reduce refrigerant leakage and improve maintenance practices
• Promoting safe, PFAS-free, and climate-friendly alternatives
• Supporting the adoption of clean cooling technologies in line with key international frameworks, including the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, the Paris Agreement, and the EU F-Gas Regulation

📍Pilot Countries: Costa Rica & South Africa

 Costa Rica and South Africa are key exporters of chilled and frozen goods to Europe. Their established shipping routes and supportive regulatory frameworks make them ideal pilot locations. Costa Rica has already adopted safety standards for natural refrigerants, while South Africa is advancing green transport policies and aims to reduce its reliance on HFCs. The project also includes training and capacity-building through partnerships with local institutions. 

🔧 Our Approach 

• Demonstrating a Greener Reefer prototype using R290 (propane), a natural refrigerant with very low climate impact.
• Collaborating with container manufacturers, shipping companies, logistics providers, and international institutions such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)  to test and scale the solution in line with global climate goals.
•  Developing training programs for technicians and trainers in Costa Rica, South Africa.
• Creating an eco-label framework and a QCR Standard (Qualification, Certification, Registration) to promote industry-wide adoption