The Greener Reefers initiative, developed by the GIZ Proklima cluster in partnership with the Kuehne Climate Center, was featured at the second Hamburg Sustainability Conference, where over 1,600 attendees gathered to discuss implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project’s focus on decarbonizing maritime refrigeration placed natural refrigerants and public–private cooperation at the center of the discussion.
At the session moderated by Mark Major (Kuehne Climate Center), stakeholders from policy, development cooperation, and industry addressed the need to scale up climate-friendly cooling technologies in shipping. A key focus was the role of trained technicians capable of handling flammable refrigerants in ports and terminals. Mbalenhle Golding, Acting CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), emphasized this point, stating:
“The shift to climate-friendly cooling brings new opportunities – for our people, for innovation, and for just and equitable transition in the Global South.”
Didier Beaugé, Vice President of Engineering & Technology at Thermo King, underlined the importance of safety and training:
“To support natural refrigerant technologies, the sector must prioritize comprehensive training, robust maintenance protocols, and stringent safety standards. This commitment ensures efficiency, safety, and compliance, driving us towards a sustainable future.”
The Greener Reefers project is currently developing a prototype refrigerated container using R290 (propane) as the refrigerant. Other core activities include targeted technical training, creation of a new technician curriculum in South Africa, and engagement with both public and private stakeholders to improve safety standards across the maritime cold chain.
Looking ahead, the Greener Reefer Transition Alliance—established at COP28 in 2023—plans to continue its outreach through a delegation visit to intermodal and port facilities in Barcelona, participation in Fruit Attraction 2025 in Madrid, and further contributions to IMO policy processes regarding the safe handling of natural refrigerants.
Funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment through the International Climate Initiative, the Greener Reefers project leverages Proklima’s three decades of experience under the Montreal Protocol to support climate-friendly transformations in the maritime sector.
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