The shift towards sustainable refrigeration containers is gaining momentum, and last Wednesday, the second "Greener Reefers" Workshop in Hamburg brought together key stakeholders to accelerate this transition. The workshop served as a crucial step in strengthening this collaborative effort. Attendees included representatives from Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Thermo King, Dole Europe GmbH, Carrier Transicold, Greensee, and Universitat Politècnica de València. Their expertise and commitment to sustainability set the stage for productive discussions and tangible next steps.
R290 prototype and Strengthening the Alliance
Participants explored the latest advancements in reefer sustainability, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and alternative refrigerants. Updates were shared on the ongoing collaboration with Thermo King and Universitat Politècnica de València for an R290-based prototype, a promising step towards climate-friendly refrigeration. Beyond technical developments, the workshop emphasized the importance of industry collaboration. Agreements were made on the next steps to accelerate the adoption of sustainable reefer solutions, reinforcing the commitment to a shared vision for greener refrigerated shipping under the Greener Reefers Transition Alliance. The Greener Reefers Transition Alliance, with founding members Kuehne Climate Center and GIZ, is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of refrigerated containers in the shipping industry.
Behind the Scenes at Hamburg Port
A special highlight of the workshop was an exclusive site visit to Hamburg Port, generously hosted by HHLA Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG. Thanks to the support of Otto Schacht, Jens Gutsch, and Kristian Peters, participants had the rare opportunity to explore four reefer units under maintenance. This hands-on experience provided deeper insights into the operational aspects of refrigerated shipping and the challenges involved in making the industry more sustainable.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Reefer Industry
Hosted by the Kuehne Climate Center and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the workshop provided a platform for industry leaders, sustainability advocates, and reefer experts to discuss solutions for a climate-friendly and cost-effective reefer future. The Greener Reefers project aims to reduce the environmental footprint of refrigerated shipping by promoting energy-efficient technologies, alternative refrigerants, and industry-wide collaboration. By addressing technical and regulatory challenges, the initiative seeks to pave the way for a more sustainable supply chain.
