In order to improve the process of handling reefer containers, Cornelder de Moçambique (CdM), in partnership with Identec Solutions, a global leader in reefer management solutions, will be implementing a new, modern reefer management system called Reefer Runner at the Port of Beira Container Terminal from next October.

To this end, the two institutions will install 300 freezer plugs at the Beira Port Container Terminal, one of the most modern terminals in southern Africa.

On the subject of the project, the head of the Container Terminal, Luís Rodriguez, explained that the concessionaire seeks to optimize its resources as much as possible, with the aim not only of reducing costs, but above all of satisfying the immediate needs of customers, and the reliable, fast and fully documented handling of refrigerators is important.

"With the Reefer Runner system, we can monitor the fridges remotely. This is crucial as the number of fridges grows steadily," he said.

By enabling automated 24/7 monitoring of all individual refrigerated containers, Reefer Runner protects all refrigerated cargo, transmits vital data and triggers alarms when necessary.

This technology facilitates more efficient reefer management, significantly improving the process of importing and exporting refrigerated cargo at the terminal and reducing complaints to a minimum.

The installation of this system includes two bonded warehouses, an International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) storage area and a state-of-the-art Navis N4 computerized management system. The recent expansion includes more container storage space and a new five-lane access road, solidifying its role as an important logistics hub in the region.

Zimbabwe's first citrus shipment

The first two refrigerated containers containing citrus fruits from Zimbabwe were shipped from the Port of Beira in May this year, destined for countries in the Middle and Far East.

For CdM, the concessionaire for the Port of Beira's Container and General Cargo terminals, the shipment of citrus fruit represents an opportunity for the port to show its capabilities in handling this type of cargo, which has traditionally been exported through other ports in the region.

In view of the growth in business potential, Cornelder de Moçambique is preparing to install a remote monitoring system (RMS-Remote Monitoring System), which will be a fundamental tool for providing the Container Terminal and its customers with permanent, real-time visualization of the operating conditions of the refrigeration complex and its refrigerators.

The short-term perspective is to make the monitoring of the parameters of fresh cargo containers, which are extremely demanding in terms of thermal control, more efficient.

The RMS will make it possible to obtain supply and return temperature readings on the container at any time, automatically, avoiding manual readings.

In the context of adapting to the RMS, the company is also planning to expand its intake capacity so that the terminal can receive twice as many reefers.