After months of planning, testing, and development, together with our technical partners at Thermo King Global Marine, our R290 reefer prototype was on display at Hamburg's Rathausmarkt as part of Hamburg Sustainability Week.
As part of Hamburg Sustainability Week, our innovative R290 reefer prototype was showcased at Hamburg's Rathausmarkt. Developed over the past months in close collaboration with our technical partner Thermo King, the R290 Proof-of-Concept reefer represents an important step towards more sustainable refrigerated transport.
The system demonstrates a new approach to refrigeration by replacing conventional fluorinated refrigerants with the natural refrigerant R290 (propane). This significantly reduces the environmental impact by preventing both greenhouse gas emissions and the use of PFAS-containing refrigerants.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the prototype also delivers promising improvements in energy efficiency. Initial test results indicate energy savings of around 15% compared with conventional reefer systems, highlighting the potential of natural refrigerants to support both climate protection and operational efficiency.
Its presentation at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference marks an important milestone in the project's journey from concept to real-world application and demonstrates how innovative technologies can help drive the transition towards more sustainable cold chain logistics.
“Why isn’t this technology being used for shipping yet?” was the most common question we were asked by passers-by. The Greener Reefer Transition Alliance is working to bring the prototype to the seas. Join us in making the transport sector more future-friendly!
Greener Reefers Transition Alliance
During the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, at a side event and a networking breakfast the Greener Reefers Transition Alliance shared insights on current progress and explored next steps – including upcoming events and ideas for deeper collaboration across the Alliance.
Read more: Greener Reefer Transition Alliance - GIZ Proklima
