Leader – Q4 2025 – Integrated Reefer News
By Søren Leth Johannsen
CEO of Maersk Container Industry
As we approach the end of 2025, it feels right to pause and reflect on a truly remarkable year for MCI. While our team’s dedication and innovative spirit have driven us towards reaching new milestones, we recognize that such achievements are never the result of effort alone. We are proud of our close to 30% market share and for the trust you, our customers and partners have placed in us. These results are a testament to the collective commitment of everyone at MCI, and we remain mindful that continued success depends on learning, adapting, and working together.
December 2025 has also marked more than a year of operation of the new Star Cool 1.1. The market’s response has been extraordinary, with over 60,000 units now in operation globally and over 10,000 with refrigerant R1234yf, with low global warming potential (GWP) of just 4, charged directly from the factory. MCI became the first OEM to implement R1234yf in the reefer industry, inspiring others while remaining the only validated solution in operation today. Furthermore, DNV has independently confirmed that the R1234yf risk assessment meets relevant safety standards.
Looking ahead, the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, with the IMO’s Net Zero Framework shaping the future of shipping and cold chain logistics. While implementation is delayed, the direction is clear. Energy efficiency and emissions reduction will remain central to our industry. Technologies like Star Cool 1.1, position MCI and our customers to thrive in this changing environment.
Our commitment to automation and operational excellence is evident in the upgrades at our Qingdao facility, where the new Laser Cutting Center has strengthened our manufacturing capabilities. This investment not only improves product quality and flexibility but also ensures we remain competitive and ready for future challenges.
While acknowledging a strong year for MCI, it remains important to stay focused. By upholding our values and remaining committed to our vision of creating value for societies by enabling sustainable global cold chains, we help ensure that MCI continues to operate with clear purpose and measurable effect.
Finally, the year 2025 also marks the 20-years existence of Star Cool in the marine reefer market. Launched back in 2005 as the odd unit with a variable speed compressor, intuitive user panel, unseen power efficiency and other groundbreaking features and benefits – all designed from the mindset of an operator sailing on a container vessel and working in a container depot. Today we have produced over 550,000 Star Cools and we humbly take the responsibility for pushing the unit industry to become more sustainable.
I would like to thank our customers, service providers, partners and everyone else who has contributed to this remarkable year. Together, we look forward to continuing to build a sustainable future.
Warm regards,
Søren Leth Johannsen
CEO
