UASC Eyes Reefer Expansion
Container shipping line United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) revealed plans to make significant investment in new reefer units at WOP Dubai, the international perishables expo for the Middle East.
UASC said that the expansion of its fleet of refrigerated units and enhanced geographic access to the South America trades - following UASC’s recently announced cooperation with Hamburg Süd - will ensure all UASC customers access to the South America trades as part of UASC’s comprehensive global reach, including those moving refrigerated cargo.
Gareth Madsen, Head of Reefer Management at UASC, said: “Through partnerships with leading operators, investment in some of the largest and most eco-efficient container vessels ever built, and a commitment to expanding reefer services, UASC is moving up the rankings of the global container liner shipping industry in a way that reflects our strategic growth plans.”
UASC’s expanding reefer fleet is one of the youngest in the industry, with an average reefer container age of three years. Some, 80% of UASC’s current reefer fleet has the ability to measure the CO2 levels of the cargo and automatically ventilate as required.
Madsen explains: “ Our aim is to be the carrier of choice, not only to and from Middle Eastern markets but also in other key global reefer markets. Our aspirations for the reefer business form a key element of our ambitious expansion strategy.”
The announcement follows news of UASC’s current newbuilding program, comprising 17 ships (eleven 14,500 TEU vessels and six 18,800 TEU vessels), and cooperation with leading liner shipping companies CMA CGM and China Shipping Container Lines (together forming the Ocean Three alliance).
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