Multinational banana company Chiquita is bolstering its fleet of Star Cool Integrated shipping containers and adding more controlled atmosphere systems. 

Of the 2,500 containers purchased from Maersk Container Industry (MCI), 1000 are equipped with the Star Cool controlled atmosphere system.

The system will ensure an extended transportation period of up to 45 days and prolonged shelf life, according to Maersk.

With these new containers, Chiquita will be able to control the atmosphere and monitor the amount of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide levels. Oxygen accelerates the ripening process of bananas, and often makes the journey a challenge.

Chiquita operates its own substantial shipping fleet through the ocean carrier Great White Fleet.

"From shipment to shipment, each load can be carefully controlled based on the needs of the cargo. This is essential to deliver best quality bananas to our customers," Great White Fleet president Stefano di Paolo said.

"The CA technology is robust, effective and easy to control based on each individual shipment."

Star Cool Integrated uses low-energy consumption and a durable low-weight container design. Maersk said Chiquita has been able to take advantage of this as well as MCI's StarConomy software, which halves energy use without compromising the bananas.

"Using Star Cool Integrated containers, we have achieved significant operational efficiencies and markedly reduced our energy consumption," said Di Paolo.

"This goes hand in hand with our commitment to sustainable shipping practices and we are now looking at even more power reductions adding the newest technology in this field."

www.freshfruitportal.com