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June/July 2017 Truck and Track 67
PORTS
Proof that a new type of refrigerated container is prompting
growth in Samskip’s temperature-controlled volumes arrived
in Rotterdam during May, when the multimodal operator
added 51more lighter weight 45ft length units to its fleet.
Manufactured in China and delivered to Rotterdam Short Sea
Terminals (Europe’s largest hub for short sea shipping), the
Coolboxx electric reefer containers feature the same innovative flat
composite inner lining first favoured by Samskip in a breakthrough
order in 2014. The enhanced design results in containers that are
lighter, stronger and easier to clean than conventional reefer units,
whilst allowing for smoother loading and unloading.
Johan Vogelaar, Samskip Manager for Multimodal Services - Reefer
Trade, explains that unit tare weight has been reduced from 5990
kilograms to 5760 kilograms, in turn increasing payload capacity.
“These new reefers are also five centimetres wider inside than a
normal 45ft reefer, allowing wider pallets and packaging. This is an
especially significant advantage for fruit and vegetable shippers.”
Each unit includes a high-performance Thermo King Magnum
Plus generator set, designed specifically for long-distance
transportation of deep frozen, frozen, chilled or heated cargo in a
temperature range of -30° to +30° C.
Track-and-tracemanagement software will be used tomonitor and
control sensor-connected 45ft reefer units operating in shortsea,
rail, barge and road services throughout Europe, and during
terminal storage remotely.
Vogelaar again: “The new reefers further enable an expanded
network, while offering a more sustainable and cost-effective
solution, with enhanced quality assurance for the customers’
temperature-controlled goods and perishables. What is more, the
insulation material used is 100% non-CFC (Cyclopentane), in line
with our environmentally-friendly business standards.”
New lighter weight 45ft
reefers for Samskip at
Rotterdam
Dublin-based Ecocem Ireland has
increased its export capacity with
the launch of its second UK-based
bulk import terminal – in Peel
Ports’ London Medway cluster at
Sheerness. The import terminal,
which represents a £2.5 million
investment, has been developed
in partnership with Peel Ports, to
help this manufacturer of high-
performance, low-carbon, cement
alternative capitalise on the
potential to supply the burgeoning
construction market in London and
South-East England.
Ecocem’s first UK bulk import facility opened in early 2016 at
Runcorn, and the launch at Sheerness will allow it to supply a
further 250,000 tonnes of low-carbon cement alternative per
annum.
Technically known as GGBS (Ground Granulated Blastfurnace
Slag), Ecocem’s cement is stated to minimise the environmental
impact of concrete, whilst maximising its technical performance.
This technology has been widely used in the Irish Republic and UK
in projects such as the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and the Olympic
Stadium and Shard in London.
Andrew Martin, the Group Land and Property Director of Peel Ports
pictured here, commented: “We are delighted to be working with
the Ecocem team, to enable and support their entry into the UK
market. We have been able to provide a multisite solution that will
accelerate the delivery of product as close as possible to the areas
of consumption.”
The demand for low carbon materials in Europe has never been
stronger, and Ecocem’s ability to deliver a reduction of over 70% in
the carbon footprint of concrete, theWorld’s most popular building
material, means that the future is bright for this progressive Irish
firm.
AndrewMartin of Peel Ports
Ecocem capitalises
on Londonmarket
with new import
terminal