The StarConomy reefer control software designed by Maersk Container Industry (MCI), in conjunction with fruit multinational Dole, supports reefer container operators by allowing them to maximise the value of their refrigerated cargoes in MCI’s Star Cool units. The software’s aim is to reduce operating costs and ultimately meet the industry’s sustainability objectives to reduce CO2 emissions.
If a typical fruit multinational operating their own fleet of four vessels with 500 reefers each were to upgrade to the software, the annual financial savings on a single route, such as Ecuador to the UK, would be over USD2 million. For a container line with a six-vessel service from Ecuador to Russia, also with 500 plugs, the annual savings would be an estimated USD3.2 million.
StarConomy can be installed on all new Star Cool units while a simple software update can make it available on all existing Star Cool units installed in operations of more than 40 operators. MCI conducted the field test on Dole’s weekly South America to Europe route.
‘Dole has strong focus on corporate responsibility and sustainability. This is reflected in our approach to water management, soil conservation and our carbon footprint, for example. These commitments also extend to our cold chain. When it comes to reefer container transport, we preserve and transport the fruit safely using as little energy as possible, thus reducing our carbon footprint,’ said Karina Rodriguez, Equipment Manager, Dole. ‘To take the next leap in this field, Dole worked with Star Cool in developing and field-testing the innovative StarConomy software that we are now using in all Star Cool reefers in our global operations.’
