Star Cool for giant 53’ reefers

 MCI is pleased to announce a recent order from Alaska Marine Lines (AML) for 50 Star Cool units to be fitted with high-cube 53’ reefer containers. This is the first time that MCI has delivered units to boxes of this size.

The 53’ x 102” reefers are a very unusual size but give AML the ability to aggregate larger loads while reducing costs and CO2 emissions at the same time. Starting from Seattle, AML provides shipping services right along the southern and western Alaskan coast and islands, into the Yukon Territory and as far inland as Fairbanks. 

As part of a fully integrated fleet of dry and refrigerated containers, tugs, barges and specialist equipment, the new Star Cool reefers are set to play an important role in supplying this vast and challenging region.

The wide range of cargos we carry, especially perishable goods, means that having large-capacity cooled containers gives us more flexibility while unlocking economies of scale to the benefit of our customers. We also value the proven efficiency and reliability of the Star Cool system.

Steve Hardin, Director of Equipment Maintenance at AML

MCI produces the Star Cool units and then delivers them by road to container manufacturer China International Marine Containers, who install them on the boxes. Installation is carried in a special area at the CIMC factory under the supervision of MCI experts. As both factories are located in Qingdao, China, this makes logistics easy and cost effective.