CMA CGM has purchased 7,000 40-foot high cube refrigerated containers, including 6,000 consumption friendly generators, raising total capacity of its reefer fleet 13 per cent to 185,000 TEU.

The French shipping line can now transport 850,000 TEU of refrigerated cargo per year.

"These investments strengthen CMA CGM's leader's position in reefer transport, which will become the most important vehicle of sensitive goods transport in the following years to come," said company vice president Alexis Michel.

The new refrigerated containers reduce carbon emissions 60 per cent compared to the first generation containers. In addition, they control the temperature and operate a phytosanitary cold treatment system to lengthen shelf life.

With its new reefer boxes, CMA CGM can transport fruit, vegetables, deep-freeze products, wine, flowers and medicine in optimal condition. The company said its objective is to transport one million reefer TEU before 2015.