GIZ Proklima and Thermo King are joining forces to revolutionize maritime refrigeration with the "Greener Reefer"—an innovative R290 refrigerated container designed for greater sustainability, safety, and efficiency. This partnership sets new standards for climate-friendly cooling technology in international shipping.
In a pioneering move for sustainable shipping, Thermo King® by Trane Technologies (opens in a new window), a global climate innovator, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH have announced a strategic research and development partnership under the Greener Reefers in International Maritime Transport project. The cooperation will develop proof of concept for a revolutionary R290 (propane) refrigerated container — the "Greener Reefer (opens in a new window)" — designed to transform maritime refrigeration with a low-impact, environmentally friendly and safe approach. The Greener Reefers project is financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) through the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).
“Our dedication at Thermo King is to ensure the safety of transported food and medicines while driving sustainability in the cold chain. As part of Trane Technologies, we are fully committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and food loss through innovation, challenging what’s possible for a sustainable world. The project with GIZ aims to deliver a proof of concept, aligning with our strategy to offer innovative high-performance solutions for a sustainable future", said Claudio Zanframundo, president Thermo King EMEA Truck, Trailer, Bus and Global Marine, Rail, Air.
Guntram Glasbrenner, head of GIZ Proklima cluster, stated: “As part of the GIZ Proklima cluster, the project brings in the network for establishing the necessary technology framework, innovative experts such as Mr. Holger König, ref-tech engineering, and the knowledge needed to qualify technicians. GIZ Proklima has been a pioneer in ozone and climate protection for almost 30 years and has made a significant contribution to advancing Green Cooling worldwide. The cooperation with Thermo King raises the awareness of the current high use of ozone-depleting refrigerants in reefers and pushes for more hydrocarbons as climate- und environmental-friendly alternatives.”
A collaboration to revolutionize refrigerated containers
The Greener Reefers project aims to develop a safe and efficient intermodal shipping container with a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional reefers. This will be achieved by improved thermal insulation of the container and optimized reefer machinery system design.
It will also feature R290, a hydrocarbon refrigerant with Global Warming Potential (GWP) of under 1 and an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0. Thanks to its excellent thermodynamic properties, R290 can allow reefer units to operate within a wider operating map and with lower power consumption compared to alternative non-fluorinated refrigerants such as R744.
As part of the project, Thermo King and GIZ will work towards obtaining third party certification for the container, assessing the cradle-to-grave impact and establishing a new industry standard for sustainability in refrigerated transport. The project involves active participation in the Greener Reefers Transition Alliance, encouraging broader adoption of green technology throughout the shipping industry. Additionally, the Greener Reefers project collaborates with training centres in Costa Rica and South Africa to ensure local technicians are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to maintain and service this new technology. Training guidance and safety manuals will be developed and adapted for the cooperative training centres.
Addressing Global Environmental Challenges
In collaboration with the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, the cooperation aims to demonstrate the use of R290 refrigerant in shipping containers as a viable and safe alternative to chemical refrigerants. Thermo King and GIZ ambition to set a model for the industry, encouraging other organizations to adopt climate-friendly and safe refrigeration solutions that will lower energy consumption and significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Through this partnership, Thermo King and GIZ are making significant strides towards a greener shipping industry.
About Thermo King
Thermo King – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – is a worldwide leader in sustainable transport temperature control solutions. Thermo King has been providing transport temperature control solutions for a variety of applications, including trailers, truck bodies, buses, air, shipboard containers and railway cars since 1938. For more information, visit www.europe.thermoking.com (opens in a new window) or www.tranetechnologies.com (opens in a new window).
For further information, please contact:
GIZ, Project lead, Kirsten Orschulok
kirsten.orschulok[at]giz[dot]de
Thermo King – Trane Technologies, Michal Karkoszka
+48 601 077932 michal.karkoszka[at]contractor.tranetechnologies[dot]com