ONE launched trial shipments of the world's first dual-temperature refrigerated container with Controlled Atmosphere function

Tokyo, 2 February 2024 - Ocean Network Express (ONE) is pleased to announce the launch of the world’s first dual-temperature refrigerated container trial equipped with Controlled Atmosphere (CA) functions in collaboration with Pan Pacific International Holdings Inc. (PPIH) and NAX Japan. It is the world's first use of marine transportation of the dual-temperature refrigerated container equipped with CA functions that will transport various types of perishable goods and fruits from Japan to overseas stores of “Don Quijote”, the largest Japanese discount store chain operated by PPIH.

In addition to transporting two different temperature zone commodities, the container also has CA functions, which prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. It will also create a more efficient way to transport cargoes in small quantities and reduce inventory risks, ultimately reducing cost, CO2 emissions and food loss.

A foldable partition is installed in the middle of a container to accommodate different temperature zones. The room adjacent to the reefer unit supports both chilled and frozen temperatures, maintaining cargo from -30°C to +30°C, similar to a standard refrigerated container. In the other compartment of the container, a thermal fan sends cold air through the ceiling to maintain cargo between -5°C and +30°C. Depending on a customer’s requirements, the position of the partition can be adjusted, and the partition can also be stored in the ceiling when it is not in use, turning it into a stand refrigerated container.

PPIH currently operates 43 stores (as of December 31, 2023) in six Asian countries, including the specialty store "DON DON DONKI" which offers mainly Japanese products. As fresh Japanese fruits and vegetables are popular at each store, maintaining freshness during ocean transportation has always been challenging. Furthermore, the small volume of cargoes for countries with fewer stores, such as Thailand and Malaysia have made it crucial to improve container loading efficiency and reduce transportation costs.

By utilizing the dual-temperature refrigerated CA container, ONE, PPIH, and NAX Japan strive to enhance container loading efficiency by transporting smaller quantities of a more diverse range of perishable commodities in a single container. This approach not only aims to reduce overall transportation costs, but also maintains the freshness and quality of goods throughout the shipment. NAX Japan is also working with ONE as a logistics partner in the export of perishable goods.

The manufacturing of the dual-temperature refrigerated container and trial shipments are supported by a subsidy project conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan in the Fiscal Year of 2022.

ONE, PPIH, and NAX Japan will continue this trial shipment to contribute to more stable exports of Japanese agricultural products and their global promotion.

About Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Ocean Network Express (ONE) was incepted on July 7, 2017, following the liner service integrations of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK). The new entity functions from its global headquarters in Singapore, supported by regional headquarters in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and Brazil. Operating more than 220 vessels, it offers an expeditious and reliable international network of over 170 services to 120 countries and beyond. ONE is the world’s sixth-largest container carrier with a fleet size of approximately 1.69 million TEU. ONE is a member of THE Alliance (THEA), a global ocean carrier consortium.

For more information, please visit www.one-line.com 

About Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH)

Pan Pacific International Holding operates 619 stores in Japan and 109 stores overseas, including the discount business such as “Don Quijote”, the supermarket business such as “Apita” and “Piago”, and the overseas retail business in the U.S. and Asia, as of the end of December 2023.

About NAX JAPAN

NAX JAPAN is an international logistics company that provides forwarding, customs clearance, and warehousing services, specializing in handling time-critical cargo such as perishable goods, air parts, and pharmaceuticals. NAX JAPAN strives to ensure reliability through various efforts to improve transportation quality, such as acquiring accreditations and certifications, including "CEIV Fresh Certification" and introducing a freshness maintenance system. As a "concierge" of logistics, NAX JAPAN is always close to customers and proposes the best means for them from a wide range of options.