Reefer services sets sights on pharma

Contargo is expanding its network of reefer vessel service stations. And Ge-eX Logistics says it is entering the "very demanding but growing temperature-controlled sector" of the reefer container transport market.

Contargo is working with Smith Netherlands to offer reefer services at terminals in Frankfurt and Duisburg, Germany, expanding its existing network. The German locations follow Contargo's 2007 opening of its Basel Multi Terminal and the opening of another station at Terminal Ludwigshafen the following year. The container logistics specialist is targeting pharmaceutical products by offering security, surveillance and equipment reliability.

In the collaboration, Smith Holland employees work at Contargo facilities and use its cargo handling, transportation and fuel resources. Standardized cooling-system inspections and reefer repairs are provided.

Separately, Ge-eX says it is stepping up to customer requests for closed-loop supply chains with its reefer offering. It boasts new 45-foot ships equipped with in-transit temperature monitoring. The Ge-Fresh Logistics business will target Benelux, U.K., Ireland and Scandinavia initially, with plans to reach Italy in 2011.

- see the Contargo report
- here's the Ge-eX announcement