New software product keeps fruit pristine and the planet green

COMMITMENT TO a greener planet Earth for the generations to come is one of the challenges of the 21st century – and Safmarine is acutely conscious of the role it has to play in making this a reality. It may not have the ability to prevent rising ocean levels or melting ice caps but it can certainly make a difference in what it knows best – liner shipping. Improving the efficacy of reefer containers has long been a focal point of research – with those engaged in this endeavour including Dr Malcolm Dodd of South Africa’s Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB). But Safmarine has been applying its own mind to ‘cleaner’, more efficient technology. Introduced earlier this year and applicable to all reefer services in the AP Moller- Maersk Group (Safmarine and Maersk Line) is QUEST, a new enhanced software application. Ian Fairlie, Safmarine’s reefer trade manager for sub-Saharan Africa, says that QUEST enables a reefer container to run at a variable temperature range, whereas the previous system operated on a fixed, set-point range. He explains some reefer fruit is hardier, citrus for example, but that fruit in reefers does not generally respond at its best in too-cold temperatures. “The advantage of QUEST, from a product (fruit) point of view, is a better quality turnout. But another benefit, given that the reefer container is not working constantly during the voyage, is that it runs on less power and is more green-friendly, thereby advancing the carbon footprint goal. The main aim, says Fairlie, over and above fewer CO2 emissions, is a pristine reefer product at the point of discharge. “Looking ahead, Safmarine’s focus is to be environment-friendly and QUEST is certainly a contributor.”