THE WORLD’s largest operator of specialised reefer vessels has debuted the first of seven purpose-built newbuilds in New Zealand, to load kiwifruit for Europe.
Cyprus-based Cool Carriers, which has its origins in the famous Swedish reefer operator Salèn, took delivery of Snow Flower from Kitanihon Shipbuilding in Japan on 4 March and immediately despatched it to Eastland Port (Gisborne) and Tauranga.
Each vessel in the newbuild program is designed to carry 5,000 high-cube pallets of perishable fruit, along with up to 168 reefer containers, at a service speed of 18 knots. Two vessels have capacities of over 630,000 cubic feet, while five have capacities of 660,000 cubic feet.
All vessels will share the same specifications and form a new series, with deliveries scheduled from March 2026 through to 2028. The names draw inspiration from the company’s original and highly regarded Snow-class vessels, Cool Carriers says.
The vessels feature modern hull and propulsion designs, including energy-efficient engines engineered to meet stringent IMO and EU environmental regulations through to 2030 and beyond.
“This order forms part of Cool Carriers’ ongoing fleet renewal strategy, ensuring continued competitiveness in the specialized reefer segment. Following this order, the company will have a total of seven vessels on order, with two scheduled for delivery in the remainder of 2026,” it said.
Cool Carriers is both an owner and a time-chartered fleet operator, which includes leasing vessels from Japanese owners. The company’s expanding fleet represents a significant increase in reefer capacity, with vessels capable of carrying up to 14,000 pallets under deck and in containers combined.
Cool Carriers serves key global trade routes, including New Zealand to Europe (kiwifruit), Chile to the United States, Ecuador’s banana exports, and growing volumes from South Africa and Argentina to Europe.
Chief operating officer Glenn Selling said the new Snow class, with a 2.5-metre deck height, represent a major step forward for the specialized reefer industry.
“Exporters will no longer need to choose between standard and high-cube pallets – the new vessels are designed entirely for high-cube cargo, matching the internal height of modern reefer containers.”