Our new Alliance
Join The Greener Reefer Transition Alliance Today!
Be part of a bold step toward a sustainable future for the refrigerated cargo sector. By fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and advancing greener practices and technologies, the Alliance seeks to reduce the sector’s environmental footprint while improving the efficiency and sustainability of global trade.
Greener Reefer are highly energy efficient refrigerated maritime containers that use natural refrigerants and blowing agents with ultra-low climate impact with less than 3 GWP value and do not contain F-gases and PFAS.
If you wish to join the alliance, please contact us by email at silvia.meyer-wachsmuth@kuehne-foundation.org
Container shipping is fundamental to global trade, but it is also a significant source of carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Within this sector, refrigerated cargo (“reefer”) shipping is indispensable for the transport of perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and seafood, but its high energy requirements and reliance on high-GWP refrigerants pose considerable environmental challenges.
Our alliance proposes a transformative initiative to revolutionize container shipping towards sustainability. By uniting key stakeholders and fostering innovation, we aim to lead the shipping container industry toward a greener future, aligning with global standards and legislative frameworks to drive meaningful change. Curious? Then keep on reading!
Learn more about the Greener Reefer Transition Alliance:
Objectives
Reduce direct carbon emissions of the reefer and minimize environmental impact through the utilisation of natural refrigerants for cooling systems with low global warming potential.
Reduce indirect carbon emissions and minimise environmental impact by optimising the energy efficiency performance of the reefer system design, enhancing energy efficiency of container shipping during operations, and building capacity for servicing and handling them on ships and in ports as well as tackling end-of-life aspects.
Promote Collaboration and Innovation by fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the shipping industry, including shipping companies, port authorities, and manufacturers of reefer containers. Accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable technology and practices in the refrigerated cargo sector.
Demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of Greener Reefers for pilot projects and positive economic assessments to pave the way for broader market deployment of Greener Reefer technologies. The Alliance will support pilot projects aimed at demonstrating the feasibility, effectiveness, and market readiness of sustainable practices and Greener Reefer technology in refrigerated cargo shipping.
Implementation
Research & Development:
The Alliance drives R&D to improve the environmental performance of refrigerated shipping, including alternative refrigerants, energy-efficient containers, and assessing economic benefits.
Pilot Projects:
Real-world pilot projects test and demonstrate the technical, commercial, and environmental viability of Greener Reefer technologies.
Ecolabeling Program:
An ecolabel will recognize containers meeting environmental performance standards, signaling commitment to sustainability.
Collaboration:
The Alliance works with shipping companies, manufacturers, and policymakers to build support for greener initiatives.
Knowledge Sharing & Advocacy:
Through workshops, research, and best-practice exchange, the Alliance fosters innovation, raises awareness of refrigerated shipping’s environmental impact, and advocates for supportive policies.
Benefits of joining the Alliance
Joining the Greener Reefer Alliance places members at the forefront of sustainability in refrigerated shipping. It offers:
- Expert Access: Connect with researchers, specialists, and industry professionals to tackle challenges and develop solutions.
- Collaboration: Form partnerships and joint initiatives to accelerate greener practices.
- Leadership: Influence the industry’s sustainability agenda and position your company as a leader.
- Market Advantage: Differentiate your brand and attract eco-conscious customers, investors, and partners.
- Risk Management: Stay ahead of regulations and industry standards.
- Learning & Development: Gain insights through workshops, training, and knowledge-sharing events.
- Funding & Resources: Access grants and resources to support sustainability projects.
- Networking & Visibility:Expand your network and increase your company’s profile in the industry.
White Paper
The white paper “Accelerating the transition to climate- and environmentally-friendly reefers” is part of the Greener Reefer Transition Alliance initiative. It outlines immediate steps toward a sustainable future, presenting detailed emissions models that highlight the critical importance of scaling up the use of natural refrigerants.
Developed jointly by the Kuehne Climate Center and the GIZ-implemented Greener Reefers project, the publication benefited from contributions from the shipping and container industry, providing key insights into the future of maritime freight transport and logistics. The Greener Reefers project is financed through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV).
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Past Events
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Alliance members
