The North of England P&I Club issued an advisory, providing CINS Guidance for carriage of cargo in non operating reefers containers, to help operators in making decisions that protect both cargo and containers.
Refrigerated containers (known as reefers) are designed to be used to transport temperature controlled cargo. Since they may be insufficient temperature controlled cargo for a “return” leg, reefers would normally be positioned empty to demand location.
In order to minimize empty repositioning costs, operators may use reefer containers in a non-operating mod to carry approved dry cargo on a return leg. Such cargo is described as a non-operating reefer cargo (NOR-cargo).
Recommendations for approving NOR-cargo
It is essential that the container operator evaluates the characteristics of all NOR cargo carefully prior to accepting a booking. By way of summary checklist, the following should be taken into account:
In relation to cargo itself:
- whether the cargo is listed as specifically not recommended to be packed in reefer containers
- whether the cargo is adequately and correctly packaged
- if any vapours or gases may be emitted by the cargo that may be corrosive
- whether the cargo spillage may damage or corrode the interior of the reefer
- whether the cargo will be palletised or packed as individual packages
- the cargo should not have sharp or rough edges that may damage the interior of the reefer
In relation to the container:
- that the interior has exposed metal surfaces of copper, aluminium and high grade stainless steel
- that the interior floor, sidewalls, door liners and ceiling are much less strong and impact resistant than a dry container
- the need to avoid any contact by the cargo or any loading vehicle with the container ceiling/roof
- that reefers are not suitable for use with Flexitanks
- whether packing can be achieved securely and without damaging the interior
- proper consideration is given to the construction of the reefer unit, particularly the strength of the lashing points
- that the cargo mass needs to be evenly distributed over the length of the container floor
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