Hamburg Süd, recently added 400 refrigerated containers equipped with Carrier Transicold’s XtendFRESH atmosphere control system to its fleet.

The ship line, one of the world’s top refrigerated container carriers, says the acquisition will provide produce exporters a better way to maintain the quality of perishables in transit. To slow ripening and help preserve produce quality, the XtendFRESH system actively manages oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within refrigerated containers and removes ethylene.

The new XtendFRESH systems have been placed into service in support of avocado exporters shipping from the west coast of South America to Asia, North America and Europe, according to Martin Schoeler, senior manager, Logistics-Technology, Hamburg Süd.

“Avocados are a significant market and initially will be the main target of utilization,” Schoeler said, adding that banana exports will also be able to benefit from the XtendFRESH system’s capabilities.

“Ethylene removal is a unique feature of the XtendFRESH system that differentiates it from other systems and is definitely much desired by our customers,” said Michaela Steineker, a Hamburg Süd global reefer manager, explaining that in collaborating with Carrier Transicold on operational tests, the shipping line stressed the importance of this capability in an atmosphere control system.

Prior to purchase, Hamburg Süd commissioned independent testing on the XtendFRESH system by Eurofins, using bananas shipped from Latin America to Scandinavia, which verified the system’s ability to help preserve the quality of perishable items. The produce was analyzed for appearance, freshness, water content and other attributes.

“We are pleased to provide Hamburg Süd with innovative technology that enables them to expand their service offerings to customers,” said David Appel, president of Carrier Transicold & Refrigeration Systems. “By helping to prevent premature ripening, the XtendFRESH system aids in maintaining optimum quality and shelf life of delivered produce while reducing the potential for food waste from spoilage.”

The XtendFRESH system’s ability to remove ethylene, while precisely managing oxygen and CO2, is key to its performance and distinguishes it from other products for container atmosphere control. Ethylene is a hormone given off by ripening produce that accelerates ripening if left unchecked. A patented, self-regenerating activated-carbon scrubber assembly captures ethylene and controls CO2 levels. As oxygen is consumed by ripening produce, automated, on-demand fresh-air ventilation helps maintain the optimum level for the cargo inside.