On February 21st, a significant event marked a new chapter in the history of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Cool Carriers, in partnership with Contecon Terminal, signed a contract for exclusive use of state-of-the-art cold store, symbolically laying the first stone in a ceremony that heralded a new era of Cool Carriers service from Ecuador.

The cold store, aptly named the “Guayaquil Banana Gateway,” is set to be constructed at the prime location in front of quay #5, replacing the old dry facility. This development signifies a commitment of Cool Carriers to providing exceptional service to clients and exporters, as stated by Nikolay Pavlyuchenko, the General Manager of UNIREEFER, representing Cool Carriers in Ecuador.

Pavlyuchenko emphasized the benefits of this new venture, stating, “In a rapidly changing world, we must embrace challenges. This cold store is a testament to our commitment to our clients and exporters. Firstly, exporters will enjoy a cost-effective service with no variable or additional costs. The logistics will be seamless, and operations will no longer be hindered by climate or any other external factors that typically delay inland and port processes. The fruit will receive the best possible treatment.”

He further explained, “Once the banana cartons arrive at the terminal, we take over immediately at the gate of the cold store, ensuring a gentle and swift delivery to our customers at destination, thanks to our direct transit. The simple formula we adhere to is better fruit quality for less cost. Our main value and priority lie in the personal relationships we foster and the quality we deliver to our clients, transcending mere box transportation.”

Cold storage facilities near banana farms offer a significant advantage to shippers by allowing them to store their produce at optimal temperatures. This strategic placement dramatically reduces postharvest losses, ensuring the quality of the crop.

Introducing a cold storage facility in the harbour will streamline the process of consolidating bananas transported from the packing stations in the farms. This setup allows the fruit to be stored in cold storage days before the vessels’ arrival. Consequently, the ship can start loading the pre-stored fruit immediately upon arrival.

This efficient system enables liners to schedule berthing and loading operations better, maintain a regular schedule in the complex logistics chain. The result is a reduction in costs and an optimization of returns.

“Ecuador is upgrading to the standards of other banana exporting countries once the cold storage is completed,” said Nikolay Pavlyuchenko, highlighting the global trend of utilizing cold storage for handling bananas and other fruits. He cited the port of Davao in the Philippines, where Cool Carriers regularly load, and all the major banana exporters have their cold storage facilities. Some of these facilities have a capacity of around 6,500 square meters.

In conclusion, the advent of cold storage facilities marks a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and profitability of banana exports, aligning with global standards and practices.

The consolidation of bananas in cold storage facilities optimizes the preservation and transport process.

Reefer logistics, a critical component in transporting perishable goods, have remained relatively unchanged for decades. However, the advent of cold storage facilities and the extensive new building program for reefer ships signal a positive shift in the industry. This development is a testament to Cool Carriers’ commitment to leading the way in reefer operations.

Pavlyuchenko concluded:” UNIREEFER/Cool Carriers expresses gratitude towards its Ecuador partner, Contecon Terminal. Their shared vision of the industry and customer-oriented philosophy have been instrumental in driving these advancements. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of partnerships in enhancing industry standards and practices”.