The new PrimeLINE container refrigeration unit is making a splash with several of Carrier Transicold’s important customers, including the banana trade. The PrimeLINE unit first captured the attention of shipping and leasing lines when introduced at Intermodal 2007 last December. Since then, Carrier has received orders from several major customers for more than 6,000 PrimeLINE units.

“Customers are consistently choosing the PrimeLINE unit first and foremost for its lower energy consumption,” said Anton Van Rooij, Carrier Regional Sales Manager for Europe. “Next they choose it for its higher capacity. The technologically advanced PrimeLINE unit delivers the greatest cooling capacity of any R-134a unit on the market.” Energy savings are especially important, as the rising cost of fuel has all shipping lines searching for energy-saving opportunities. Among those making PrimeLINE unit purchases is Maersk Line, the world’s largest container shipping company. Units acquired by Maersk Line will include the QUEST power-saving mode, providing significant additional energy savings and further reduction of emissions. A software-based control, QUEST mode intelligently cycles refrigeration on and off based on temperature limits designed for specific perishables. Maersk Line previously reported on its plans to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 325,000 tons using QUEST mode technology.

The PrimeLINE unit’s low power consumption and fast pull down make it mos appealing to the banana trade, reveals the company’s press release. Bananas are among the most challenging produce items to ship, as once they are picked from the tree the ripening process accelerates.  “For a high respiring fruit such as bananas, it’s all about providing greater capacity and airflow,” said Jim Taeckens, senior product manager, Carrier Container Products Group. “Quick pull-down for banana transport calls for power, and the PrimeLINE unit’s power consumption in a 100 percent perishable scenario is at least 8 percent better than its nearest competitor.”