Cold chain innovation; a hot topic at Intermodal Europe 2015
The world’s growing appetite for food and drink, as well as many other temperature sensitive products such as photographic film, chemicals and pharmaceutical drugs, has increased the need for more efficient and ecological methods of storage and shipping in the cold store chain sector. From the effects of F-Gas regulations and their impact on the reefer industry to the future of reefer machinery designs; a number of key issues will be on the agenda at the Intermodal Europe conference in Hamburg this November.
The shipping industry is seeing many changes to legislation, in particular with the use of HFC refrigerants in reefer containers. Even though there is currently no clear standpoint on the extent to which the EU F-Gas regulations will apply to reefers, the reefer container industry is currently looking for next-generation refrigerants with a low GWP (Global Warming Potential). The industry also has to consider how regulations will impact the manufacture and cost of refrigerants.
The Intermodal Europe 2015 Conference will host ‘The Cold Chain Summit’, featuring the panel discussion: 'Future reefer machinery designs with regard to HFC replacements', which will consist of the four main manufacturers within the industry discussing how their companies are preparing for HFC replacements. Speakers include, Arjan Bezemer from Daikin, Dermott Crombie from Thermo King, James Taeckens, from Carrier Transicold and Morten Heide from MCI. With each company taking a different position on next generation refrigerants this discussion is expected to be very popular and will generate a lively discussion on the day.
The ‘Cold Chain Summit’ will also include a presentation by Katja Becken, Head of Chemicals in Products at German Federal Environment Agency, focusing on HFC regulation in EU and globally and expectations for the intermodal refrigeration industry. The Summit will also feature the discussion: ‘Will the reefer industry be affected by F-Gas regulations’ from Mark Bennett, Senior Vice President at Triton Container UK Ltd and Nigel Webster, Director of Refrigerated Containers at Seaco Global Ltd.
“The F-Gas regulations is a topic that has become increasingly important within the market and these kinds of projects are long term investments for shipping” explains Sophie Ahmed, Event Director, “we hope that by bringing together four of the main manufacturers and two leading leasing companies, it will provide a complete overview of the topic and it will encourage some healthy debate within the industry”.
A number of exhibitors will also be displaying products and services for the cold chain industry including; Carrier Transicold, CIMC Special Reefer Division, Daikin, Emerson Climate Technology, MCI (Star Cool), Thermo King and Tonglee Reefer. CIMC Special Reefer Division and MCI will be showcasing their reefer units in the Container Park.
The Intermodal Europe 2015 Conference runs 17-19 November at Hamburg Messe. The Cold Chain Summit takes places on Wednesday 18th November.
The agenda and full details can be found here: www.intermodal-events.com/conference
