COPENHAGEN: March 02, 2016. Maersk Container Industry (MCI), part of the Maersk Group, says its new reefer control software developed with fruit multinational Dole can save operators over US$2 million a year on a route from Ecuador to the UK, and US$3.2 million on the same sailing to Russia.

MCI develops and manufactures refrigerated containers, dry containers and the 'Star Cool' refrigeration unit. The company says its StarConomy software can be installed on all new Star Cool reefers while an update can make it available on existing units with more than 40 operators.

The software is designed to reduce operating costs and ultimately meet the industry's sustainability objectives to reduce CO2 emissions.

"Dole has strong focus on corporate responsibility and sustainability. This is reflected in our approach to water management, soil conservation and our carbon footprint, for example. These commitments also extend to our cold chain. When it comes to reefer container transport, we preserve and transport the fruit safely using as little energy as possible, thus reducing our carbon footprint," said Karina Rodriguez, Dole Equipment manager. "To take the next leap in this field, Dole worked with Star Cool in developing and field-testing the innovative StarConomy software that we are now using in all Star Cool reefers in our global operations."

MCI says by carefully balancing compressor and fan speed, StarConomy software can match air circulation to cooling demand to ensure an ideal produce environment.

"The StarConomy software begins by rapidly cooling the produce with the fans at full speed. When the temperature set point is reached, fan speed is reduced and energy optimization can begin," explained Morten Nylykke, MCI general manager, Refrigeration Technology. "StarConomy has proved to meet the needs of Dole, a long term customer, and we are looking forward to offering this new software to our entire Star Cool customer base," he added.