Maritime Glossary
Reefer
Also known as: refrigerated container, reefer container, refrigerated cargo
A temperature-controlled cargo container or ship used for perishable goods requiring refrigeration.
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Full Definition
A reefer container is an ISO container with an integral refrigeration unit maintaining temperatures from −65 °C (deep-frozen fish) to +30 °C (tropical fruit). It requires 'reefer plug' shore or ship power. Key parameters include temperature setpoint, humidity, controlled-atmosphere (CA) capability, and air circulation. Reefer ships (purpose-built, insulated cargo holds) serve high-volume perishable trades (bananas, meat, fish). Reefer cargo attracts premium freight reflecting high power costs.
Domain Tags
cargovessel types