A successful trial shipment of bananas transported from the Philippines to Rotterdam in the Netherlands could open up new markets for long-distance exporters, and open doors for consumers around the world.
That is the verdict of shipping giant Maersk Line, which in April carried several containers of bananas from Davao over a 34-day period using its StarCare reefer equipment for extended transit times.
StarCare, an exclusive reefer container technology used by Maersk, had already been used on trial shipments of bananas from Ecuador, with the fruit described as being green, firm and with no chilling damage – "absolutely no deterioration" in quality despite the long trip, the group said.
"We're proud that the trial shipment was successful," said Kim Aksel Kristensen, director of Maersk Line's reefer department. "This means we can offer growers, buyers and other entities involved in the banana trades a whole new dimension to their trading patterns.
"Maersk Line can offer access to almost any marketplace globally through the use of StarCare in affordable shipment sizes down to 20 pallets; subsequently Maersk Line is being an active and innovative part of creating new opportunities for our clients in the single largest perishable commodity segment in the world, the banana," he added.
