Global shipping giant CMA CGM recently announced its collaboration with cold chain equipment supplier Thermo King and refrigerated container leasing company SeaCube to test a battery system called E-Coolpac. This innovation aims to electrify last-mile refrigerated container transport, injecting strong momentum into the sustainable development of cold chain logistics.

In refrigerated transport, a 40-foot refrigerated container typically requires about 7 kW of power. According to the "Move to –15ºC" organization, adjusting the refrigeration temperature from -18ºC to -15ºC can reduce energy consumption by approximately 10%. Traditionally, last-mile transportation relies on “clip-on” or under-mount diesel generator sets (gensets) because truck generators cannot provide sufficient power for refrigerated containers. However, the E-Coolpac battery system is designed to replace diesel gensets, offering 35 to 105 kWh of electric power after being charged from the grid. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by about two-thirds compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. This underscores that electrification remains an effective pathway to achieve emissions reduction targets worldwide.

Claudio Zanframundo, President of Thermo King EMEA, stated: “E-Coolpac batteries are a game-changer in refrigerated transport. They significantly lower emissions while meeting local regulatory requirements. From ports to distribution centers or daily refrigerated transport operations, this system will have a profound impact on the industry.”

Fabien Gresy-Aveline, Vice President of Refrigerated Containers at CMA CGM, added: “This battery system marks a breakthrough in our operations. Transitioning from diesel to electric power represents an important step toward more sustainable cold chain transport.”

Looking ahead, CMA CGM plans to further promote the E-Coolpac battery system, integrating this technological solution into the global cold chain logistics network to drive the industry toward a greener transformation.