New technology provides cutting edge temperature reliability

The shipping lines in the AP Moller-Maersk group have now got access to the latest in computercontrolled temperature setting systems, making use of the automated set-point change (ASC) software installed in reefer containers. This allows for variable temperature settings to be automatically made at multiple set-points along the route, maintaining the integrity of the cargo to destination. Use of this software kicked off in early November, but this variable temperature setting process is not new – with AP Moller-Maersk having provided it for some time. But the new ASC software in the containers was found to reduce the workload on-board the vessel, and made it feasible for the group to implement the service worldwide. This, a group spokesman told FTW, will ensure that temperature changes en-route are delivered with little or no human involvement – taking the tedious task of managing and performing multiple set-point changes away from the vessel’s officers and crew. “We believe that the value of this service to the customer is the fact that he will have the temperature changes pre-programmed in the container. This allows for optimised shelf life, preripening, or any other preconditions the cargo may require.” SA is unique in this aspect, the spokesman added, with its perishable exporters extensively making use of multitemperature regimes – which have resulted from extensive research and many trial shipments. The commodities to which it is applied include avocados, citrus fruits, mangoes, plums and pineapples. And the group also pointed out that there was a relevant guideline – with the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) having released its latest HP22 rev35 document which includes new codes specifically for automatic set-point changes.