Handling Reefers in Ports

Ports, and container terminals, in general, are the most important dots in the global supply chain. Handling refrigerated containers in terminals is critical as they wait to continue their journey to their destination. Providing power and monitoring the desired temperature and energy setup is vital. Chapter 4 of our eBook takes you to container terminals and their handling of reefer containers.

In cold chain logistics, ports play a central role on a global scale. They are the connecting dots between continents, seas and the hinterland. A container terminal offers substantial space for convenient refrigerant stores and yard space for refrigerated containers. Shore-based communal power supplies reefer racks, and each individual reefer can be monitored either manually or through a central platform. In this process, the temperature of the cargo is monitored to ensure it remains within the specified range.

If temperatures are not maintained, the operator is subjected to liability.

Typically, there are three reefer tasks to be done at a container terminal: Connecting reefers, disconnecting reefers and monitoring temperatures.

Disconnecting reefers

Reefers must be disconnected from power so that container handling equipment can move the reefers. When disconnecting the reefer, the current temperature is checked and recorded. If disconnection jobs are completed too late, it can cause a ripple effect on other processes at the terminal. For example, vessel loading can be delayed, or container handling equipment sits idle. On the other hand, if reefers are disconnected too early, it may lead to reefers that are too long without power.

Connecting Reefers

When refrigerated containers arrive at their location in the yard, reefer operatives have to connect the reefer containers to the power grid, check if the target temperature is correct and record the current temperature.

Monitoring Temperature

The temperature of reefers at the terminal must be regularly checked and recorded. It can be done manually or supported by a solution that automatically records the temperatures, humidity, etc., of the reefer unit.

The time a refrigerated container is allowed to be off-power and the frequency the reefer has to be monitored depends on the cargo and the target temperature of the reefer and can differ from terminal to terminal.

Port reefer operations

With sometimes several hundred or thousands of reefers to be monitored, entire crews will be busy during their entire shift completing this task manually. Remote, electronic reefer monitoring enables high efficiency and cargo safety, providing automated monitoring data for potential claim handling.

Suppliers of cold chain products may need to keep track of specific information about their shipment, depending on the type of products they manufacture. This data includes temperature ranges and other environmental parameters, for example, humidity levels, that can compromise the integrity of temperature-sensitive cargo. Armed with this information, shippers can audit their supply chain operations to detect environments and activities that lead to inefficiencies.

Data logging is one technology that makes cold chain supply management easier. It helps secure, efficient cold chain monitoring of temperature-sensitive goods. In addition, any quality issues can be addressed before it is too late; therefore, it also supports quality assurance.

Data loggers can be wireless, standalone, web-based, or computer-based. Each option has unique features, pros, and cons that must be carefully reviewed before concluding. Consulting a service provider can help shippers determine the best data logging technology for their cold chain supply needs.