The safe integration of climate-friendly refrigeration technologies into busy port environments requires more than technical innovation—it demands a deep understanding of operational realities and potential risks. Within the Greener Reefers project, a Terminal Hazard Identification (HAZID) Workshop with Transnet in Durban provided a dedicated forum to examine exactly that.
©Lydia Ondraczek/Zane SilindaThe workshop forms a central element of the Operational Modes Risk Assessment (OMRA) framework and focused on identifying and evaluating terminal-specific hazard scenarios associated with refrigerated containers using propane (R290) as a natural refrigerant. As terminals are dynamic, complex environments, particular attention was given to how R290-based reefers interact with day-to-day operational processes.
Image: ©Lydia Ondraczek/Zane SilindaRefrigerated containers play a critical role in global cold chains, yet their conventional designs rely on refrigerants with high global warming potential and energy-intensive systems. The Greener Reefers project addresses this challenge by advancing low-climate-impact alternatives, including natural refrigerants such as R290 and CO₂, which offer significant mitigation potential. At the same time, the flammability of propane introduces new safety considerations that must be carefully managed—especially in terminal operations.
Against this backdrop, the HAZID workshop systematically explored key operational scenarios, including loading and unloading activities, routine handling and inspections, maintenance tasks, and internal transport and storage within the terminal. Participants from different Transnet departments and operational areas worked collaboratively to review these scenarios, identify potential hazards, and reflect on both existing and additional control measures that could support the safe handling of flammable refrigerants.
The HAZID identification was carried out by responsible personnel from various functional areas. Container handling expertise was provided by the terminal manager and an industrial mechanic. Safety and operational aspects were covered by the chief safety officer, the executive and general manager, as well as officers and SHEQ specialists (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality). Legal matters were addressed by representatives from industrial risk management, fraud investigation, compliance monitoring, and legal risk management, including insurance claims. In addition, the MRU (mobile refrigeration unit) manufacturer contributed through its engineering and product management departments.
HAZID phase with Transnet is representative for South Africa as Transnet covers a substantial share of handled reefer containers. The HAZID was representative for three main regions: Durban Terminals, Eastern Cape Terminals and Western Cape Terminals covering expertise and incident analysis of database for eight terminals in South Africa.
Image: ©Lydia Ondraczek/ZaneThe result was a comprehensive, jointly developed set of terminal-specific hazard scenarios that captures technical, operational, and organizational perspectives. These scenarios will directly inform the qualitative risk assessment phase of the OMRA process currently being developed within the Greener Reefers project.
By embedding detailed hazard identification and risk assessment into the development of low-emission reefer technologies, the project demonstrates how climate ambition and operational safety can—and must—go hand in hand.
This approach supports the creation of robust enabling conditions for the future adoption of environmentally and climate-friendly refrigerated container technologies across global maritime transport.
Greener Reefers: making cold chains more sustainable
As demand for refrigerated transport grows, so does concern about its environmental footprint. The Greener Reefers project (opens in a new window), implemented by GIZ Proklima, addresses this challenge in Costa Rica and South Africa. It is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) in the context of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) (opens in a new window).
The project promotes refrigerated containers using natural refrigerants, such as propane and CO₂, which have a near-zero global warming potential compared to conventional HFCs. It also focuses on training technicians and operators, ensuring that cleaner technologies can be safely adopted and maintained.
