OCEAN Network Express and PSA Corporation have announced a trial to use reclaimed refrigerant gas for reefers.

A statement from the companies said recycling refrigerant gas effectively saves about 4000 kilograms of carbon emissions per reefer, which is equivalent to the emissions from driving a normal internal combustion engine car for close to a year.

Refrigerant gases, or hydrofluorocarbons, are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

PSA initiated the use of reclaimed refrigerant gas released from the cooling systems of reefers. The refrigerant gas is recovered, cleaned, processed and certified before it is re-used and pumped back into the reefers.

Last month, ONE validated the quality of the reclaimed refrigerant gas and will be PSA’s first customer to use it for their reefer repairs in PSA moving forward.

Following the trials with ONE, PSA aims to extend this green initiative to other shipping lines and partners.

PSA International regional CEO South East Asia Ong Kim Pong said: “Close collaboration with a shared purpose is key to achieving a resilient and sustainable global supply chain ecosystem. PSA is delighted to have ONE coming alongside us in our strive to minimise the environmental impact of our operations. With the strong and steadfast support of our customers and partners, PSA is one step closer in ‘greening up’ supply chains and shaping the future of Singapore as an innovative and sustainable global maritime hub.”

ONE managing director of product and network division Yasuki Iwai said the success of this trial is another important milestone in the strong partnership between PSA and ONE. He also said open collaboration with reliable partners is an important factor in the success of ONE’s green strategy and as such, ONE will continue with the best practice and strive to establish a collaborative community ecosystem to better support the growth of a sustainable maritime supply chain.