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South Korean shipping company Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) has started its first ‘Ultra-Freezer’ service from Busan, Korea, to Barcelona, Spain.

As informed, HMM has become the only ultra-freezer service provider from Korea. Currently, only Maersk Line and CMA CGM provide such services.

“This ultra-freezer service will do much to advance HMM’s … technology in reefer container management,” an official from HMM said.

Ultra-freezer service refers to transportation of goods in – 60ºC, which are above the limit of regular reefer containers (– 35ºC to -40ºC). High technology and skilled personnel are also needed in the ultra-freezer service, as ultra-freezer containers need to maintain the very low temperature during shifting, loading, and discharging process. Due to such reasons, freight rates of ultra-freezer service are 4 to 8 times higher than regular reefer containers.

The company will provide ultra-freezer services on the following routes: Busan (Korea) - Barcelona (Spain), Busan (Korea) - Shimizu (Japan), and Algeciras (Spain) - Yokohama (Japan).

Additionally, HMM said it completed its pilot operation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology on reefer containers in August last year. With the IoT technology, cargo status will be checked and managed live on-time. Combining the blockchain technology with the IoT technology will also expand the range of IT system in shipping industry, according to HMM.