Leader – Q2 2025 – Integrated Reefer News
By Søren Leth Johannsen
CEO of Maersk Container Industry
Welcome to our second quarterly edition of Integrated Reefer News for 2025. We are pleased to provide you with the latest information and updates from MCI.
The reefer market continues its pace despite the recent uncertainties within global trade caused by the increased unpredictability. Approaching the closing of the first half of 2025, we have recorded slightly above 100K reefers booked, compared to 80K at the same time last year. The activity underlines the confidence in demand and growth of reefer transportation, as well as the benefits in phasing out old equipment. In MCI we have, during the same period, had a sharp increase in our market share and the trajectory for the rest of the year remains firmly on course.
Since the commercial launch of the upgraded Star Cool version 1.1 in October 2024, we have already delivered more than 25,000 units to our customers. A notable share of these Star Cool 1.1 has left our factory as either Triple Refrigerant with hardware designed to use an A2L or Triple Refrigerant charged with R1234yf. Supplying factory-charged R1234yf represents another first for the industry and an important step towards MCI’s climate targets – reducing direct greenhouse-gas emissions while maintaining the high performance our customers expect. R1234yf is as mentioned, A2L classified, meaning that it is mildly flammable. The introduction of global operation with the ultra-low GWP refrigerant is done on a solid foundation by risk assessments of the refrigeration system and safety concepts in compliance with ISO 20854, the safety standard for thermal containers using flammable refrigerants. The compliance to the standard is verified by DNV.
While the original Star Cool was already leading in energy efficiency before the upgrade, Star Cool 1.1 takes another leap in shaving off at least 8% in power consumption. Hence, we not only brought an ultra-low GWP refrigerant option to the market but set power consumption performance to a whole new level. All in all, making Star Cool 1.1 the strongest value proposition for phasing out old equipment.
As you will read in this edition, I would also like to acknowledge the constructive dialogue at the recently held MCI Reefer Conference 2025. Representatives from leasing companies, container lines and external keynote speakers contributed to a wide-ranging discussion on efficiency, digital integration and regulatory developments. The valuable exchanges directly influence our product roadmap and service priorities for the years ahead.
Speaking about planning ahead, we are also eager to meet even more industry partners in Barcelona at Intermodal Europe in October 2025, where we look forward to exchanging insights and highlighting the progress we are making.
Warm regards,
Søren Leth Johannsen
CEO
