Direct Answer

An offshore reefer container should be selected according to the cargo type, target temperature, transit duration, airflow requirements, power supply and offshore lifting conditions. The refrigeration unit’s temperature range alone is not enough, because actual cargo temperature is also affected by pre-cooling, loading density, door openings and power interruptions.

TLS offshore reefer containers can be used for fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat and other temperature-sensitive cargo. Depending on project requirements, they can be fitted with Daikin, Carrier or Thermo King refrigeration equipment. TLS product information lists a typical temperature range of −20°C to +25°C, with options including forklift pockets, door curtains, shelving and customised internal layouts. DNV 2.7-1, EN 12079 and CSC requirements can also be considered according to the transport and lifting method.

 What Is the Difference Between an Offshore Reefer and a Standard Reefer Container?

Key conclusion: A standard reefer container should not be used as an offshore lifting container unless its structure, lifting arrangement and certification have been verified for that application.

What Five Factors Should Be Confirmed Before Selection?

1. Cargo Requirements

Specify the cargo type, packaging, weight, target cargo temperature, permitted variation and transit duration. Pharmaceuticals, chemicals and dangerous goods may be subject to additional regulations; container certification alone does not confirm suitability for these cargoes.

2. Pre-Cooling Condition

A reefer container is generally intended to maintain cargo that has already reached its required temperature. The refrigeration setpoint is not the same as cargo core temperature, so cargo temperature should be checked before loading.

3. Airflow and Fresh-Air Exchange

Cargo must not block the supply-air or return-air paths. Fresh fruit and vegetables respire, producing heat, moisture and carbon dioxide, and may therefore require fresh-air exchange. Settings intended for fresh produce should not be applied automatically to frozen cargo.

4. Power Supply and Monitoring

Ports, vessels, vehicles and offshore platforms may use different power arrangements. Confirm the voltage, frequency, plug type, backup power, temperature recording and abnormal-condition alarms across the entire transport route.

5. Structure and Certification

DNV 2.7-1 and EN 12079 primarily address offshore-container structure and safe lifting, while CSC primarily relates to container transport safety. None of these requirements independently verifies temperature uniformity or cargo condition.

What Information Does TLS Need for a Quotation?

- Cargo type, packaging, weight and loading method;

- Target temperature, permitted variation and fresh-air requirements;

- Transport route, transit duration and ambient temperature;

- Power supply, plug type, backup power and monitoring interfaces;

- Dimensions, payload and maximum gross-weight limits;

- DNV 2.7-1, EN 12079, CSC or other applicable requirements;

- Required shelving, door curtains, forklift pockets and alarm options;

- Quantity, delivery location and required delivery date.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the typical temperature range of a TLS offshore reefer container?

TLS product information lists a typical temperature range of −20°C to +25°C. The final operating range depends on the refrigeration unit, ambient conditions, container size and cargo requirements, and should be confirmed in the approved project data sheet.

2. Is the refrigeration setpoint the same as the actual cargo temperature?

No. The controller measures temperature at a defined supply-air or return-air location. Cargo core temperature may respond more slowly and is also affected by pre-cooling and airflow through the load.

3. Does a temperature data logger prove that the cargo remained compliant?

Not by itself. A data logger records the temperature at its measurement point. For high-risk cargo, probe position, calibration, initial cargo temperature and multi-point temperature distribution may also need to be considered.

4. Does DNV 2.7-1 certify refrigeration performance?

No. DNV 2.7-1 primarily addresses offshore-container structure and lifting. Refrigeration capacity and temperature uniformity must be verified separately.

Conclusion

The reliability of an offshore reefer container depends on correct selection, cargo pre-cooling, proper loading, continuous power and temperature monitoring. Procurement specifications should define both the cold-chain conditions and offshore lifting requirements, rather than comparing only refrigeration brands or minimum setpoint temperatures.

TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions. 

Wherever you are in the world, TLS can help you. Please contact us.