Ocean freight provider expands refrigerated capacity

An ocean-cargo services provider, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (Haifa, Israel) has announced that it is expanding its fleet of refrigerated containers by 1,900 during the coming year, and is targeting ocean freight for life sciences as one of its markets. The aluminum and steel containers are double-height (40 ft) and can be provided with powered refrigeration units, sensors and dehumidification measures.

At the same time, the company is expanding a related service, ZIMonitor, to provide tracking, monitoring and remote control of these containers. Like services offered by air cargo firms, ZIMonitor provides alerts via text or email, and the company has a global response team to address process upsets. The company says that ZIMonitor is compliant with Good Distribution Practices (GDPs). A pilot program with Teva Pharmaceuticals was successfully conducted last year. “The service provides a tailored solution for customers who ship pharmaceuticals, perishable food and other high-value and sensitive cargo,” said Nissim Yoachi, ZIM VP of global sales.

ZIM manages container shipments through most trade lanes globally, has a US headquarters in Norfolk, VA, and ships from both US coasts and the Gulf of Mexico.