Reefer Vessel

A Reefer Vessel is a ship specially equipped with refrigeration equipment for transporting cargo that requires low-temperature preservation. It typically has multiple independent cargo holds with adjustable temperatures, suitable for chilled, frozen, or controlled-temperature transport. Usage scenarios: mainly transporting temperature-sensitive goods such as fresh foods (meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables), dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Precautions: when booking, temperature requirements (chilled, frozen, or controlled), ventilation conditions, and humidity must be clearly specified; reefer vessel freight rates are relatively high, and sailing schedules and space must be confirmed in advance; cargo packaging must be suitable for low-temperature environments to avoid frost damage or spoilage; the temperature setting should be noted on the bill of lading. Difference from other terms: Reefer Vessel is a type of ship, while Reefer Container is a loading tool that can be carried on ordinary container ships, offering greater flexibility; reefer vessels are usually used for large-volume, single-commodity refrigerated cargo, while reefer containers are more suitable for small-volume, multi-commodity LCL shipments. In addition, a reefer vessel is different from an ordinary general cargo ship, which has no temperature control capability.