Hapag-Lloyd targets Latin America with major reefer investment

The German container line said the investment value was in double-digit millions of dollars. Approximately 1,000 of the new containers will be fitted with controlled-atmosphere technology, which is designed to prolong the life of certain fruits and vegetables. Deliveries of the new containers will start in a few weeks.

“We operate a state-of-the-art reefer fleet that is the fourth-largest in the world. With the new reefers, we are expanding our leading position even further in this specialised business with its specific demands and will thus benefit from the growing reefer market,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, ceo of Hapag-Lloyd. “With our enhanced reefer fleet, we are ideally positioned for the Latin American trade, which is an important part of the reefer business – right on time for the opening of the expanded Panama Canal next year.”

The shipping line has expanded its presence in the Latin American trades this year with its merger with the container shipping activities of CSAV.

In April Hapag-Lloyd ordered five, 10,500 teu boxships with a capacity for up to 2,100 reefers each.