Reefer-friendly vessels to add capacity on Europe route technology benefits ‘exotic’ products

RAY SMUTS THE END of an era and a sad day for many looms when Safmarine’s distinctive “Big White’ vessels, which have played an integral role since the advent of containerisation in this country, are replaced by two new ships on the South Africa-Europe trade. The meticulously maintained SA Helderberg, SA Sederberg, SA Waterberg and SA Winterberg have written their names in this country’s maritime history by plying the trade since the late 1970s - shortly before Christmas 1977 in fact - when Commodore Robin Thomson took the ‘Helderberg’ on Safmarine’s first containership voyage on the northwest European leg of the new SAECS service. The new ‘Big White’ vessels will be more reefer ‘friendly’, capable of carrying relatively more reefer cargoes in comparison to the ships’ overall cargo intake, each equipped with 900 reefer plugs (40-foot capacity) replacing the current blown air (Conair) system. As the move from conventional to containerised reefer shipments gains momentum, particularly for export fruit and other fresh produce, Safmarine reefer executive Jan Kruger says: “Containers are becoming increasingly popular for the shipment of perishable cargo because of the flexibility they provide, particularly for smaller volumes. “The frequency of liner services and the advancements in technology are additional attractions, as is the ability to ship cargo from the field to the end destination, thereby saving money and maintaining product quality.” Kruger says advances in container refrigeration technology also allow a wider range of product to be transported over a longer distance. Those benefiting most from the improvements in technology have been shippers of ‘exotic’ fruit and vegetables, products that are extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations and of relatively high value. Alluding to Safmarine’s increased presence in a number of important reefer markets since becoming a member of the AP Moller-Maersk Group, Kruger points out that in addition to Europe’s importance as a key fruit market for South Africa, the line has noted increased reefer cargo flows from new markets such as North and South America, the Middle East and West Africa. Safmarine attributes a large part of its success in the reefer industry to its FreshCare specialist reefer service. It was launched two years ago in response to customer demand for a dedicated service comprising experienced individuals able to advise and provide practical information on packaging, loading and carriage of chilled and frozen cargoes. Safmarine believes the service has enabled it to get even closer to customers in order to understand what their real needs are.