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Gard Guidance Masters

2.12.8.1 GENERAL

The main problem in the carriage of refrigerated goods is their end use. Such goods are generally destined for human consumption. Most countries have strict health and sanitary provisions prohibiting damaged cargo from being imported. The consequences of contaminated cargo can be disastrous as it may not only be very difficult to dispose of the cargo, but also very costly both for the Company and the P&I insurer.

Whilst the problems involved in the carriage of reefer cargo and cargo in reefer containers are numerous, the main causes of damage are
  • malfunction of the reefer machinery
  • deviation from the required cooling temperature
  • improper stowage preventing proper air circulation.



    The consequential damage is
  • premature ripening of fruit, or
  • thawing damage to meat and fish products.