Maersk Container Industry is partnering with Boston technology firm Primaira to develop an air cleaning system for MCI's Star Cool Integrated refrigerated containers that carry fresh produce and cut flowers, Shipping Gazette informs.
Testing has shown the patented technology called Bluezone to be an efficient eliminator of mould, fungi and bacteria.
Using an ozone concentration 300 times higher than otherwise seen on the market, the air cleaning system also removes ethylene effectively, said an MCI statement.
"We are still working on the final design, but we are convinced that the Bluezone and Star Cool combination represents economic and environmental upsides so far unseen in container transportation," said MCU chief commercial officer Soren Leth Johannsen.
MCI's partner, Primaira, has extensive experience developing technologies that enhance food quality.
"The years of exacting, scientific work demonstrate the superiority of the Bluezone technology in ethylene and mould removal and value in extending the shelf life of fresh produce," said Primaira managing partner Karen Benedek.
Bluezone has modal shift potential. Fresh-cut flowers are a US$14 billion market globally, and 90 per cent of intercontinental shipments are by air. The technology could potentially convert air freight of fresh-cut flowers into reefer containers.
Bluezone in Star Cool will be available in the second half of the year, the MCI statement said.
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