Thermo King Offers New Choices to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Related to Intermodal and Marine Transport Refrigeration

Today, Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, announced that it will offer its intermodal and marine transport refrigeration customers a choice on how and when to reduce their own greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint.

In 2015, Thermo King will offer marine reefer units with a next generation refrigerant that is equally energy efficient and reliable as the current refrigerant yet has about half the global warming potential (GWP). At the same time, customers who want to transition their existing reefer units can do so without any technical adjustments. Thermo King will offer replacement service on existing reefers through its dealer network.

“Marine transportation is unique from other forms of transport because of the global nature of the business,” said Michel van Roozendaal, vice president, global marine, rail and bus for Thermo King. “Refrigeration technology must be reliable, safe and efficient through a variety of extreme climates. This next generation refrigerant solution reduces GWP without sacrificing these factors.This new offering allows shipping lines to have peace of mind with a high performing unit while also reducing environmental impact.”

In anticipation of the European Union F-Gas Regulation, which requires a cap and phase-down of all HFC refrigerants beginning in 2015, Thermo King selected R-452A as its next generation refrigerant. Thermo King worked in close partnership with refrigerant manufacturer, DuPont.

“We believe this is a strong alternative for marine applications, even though the regulation does not apply directly to this part of the transportation industry,” added van Roozendaal. “Our existing reefers with the current refrigerant R-404A are fully compliant under the EU F-gas regulation. This commitment by Thermo King gives our customers choices. Shipping lines can transition their existing Thermo King reefer units to the compatible R-452A, however it is not required if they want to continue using what they do today.”

Ingersoll Rand Climate Commitment 
On September 22, Ingersoll Rand made an environmental commitment to its employees, customers and shareholders, providing a roadmap to significantly increase energy efficiency and reduce our climate impact from our operations and product portfolio by 2030 (with milestones at 2020).

The commitment includes reducing GHG emissions related to its operations by approximately 35 percent by 2020; reducing direct GHG potential for heating, ventilation and air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) products by 50 percent; and investing 500 million USD in product-related research and development over the next five years to fund the long-term reduction of GHG emissions. This commitment will avoid approximately 20,850,000 metric tons of CO2e globally by 2020, which is equivalent to the energy used by nearly 2 million homes in one year.

“We care deeply about the impact to the environment and improving the safety and overall quality of life for people,” said Ray Pittard, president of Thermo King. “Our transport refrigeration solutions will contribute to the company’s overall climate commitment while playing an important role in the food and pharmaceutical cold chain, which impacts almost every family around the world.”

Learn More at Intermodal Europe 2014
Thermo King will be present at the Intermodal Europe 2014 Show in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Join Thermo King at stand B10 from November 11-13. Thermo King experts are available for interviews upon request and by appointment.