Reefer Container ONEU9019826 Temperature Analysis and Cargo Damage Assessment

Reefer Container ONEU9019826: Temperature Discrepancies and Cargo Damage Liability

This report analyzes the temperature records of reefer container ONEU9019826 to assess potential causes of temperature fluctuations and their relation to reported cargo damage. We aim to clarify the carrier's responsibility regarding potential insurance claims.

Temperature Record Analysis:

While we haven't received the complete temperature records for reefer container ONEU9019826, the opposite party's report indicates temperature fluctuations between -25.0ﾰC and -10.0ﾰC, exceeding the -23.0ﾰC specified in the bill of lading. They attribute cargo damage to these fluctuations, particularly a period exceeding 24 hours between days 57 and 58.

Our examination of the provided temperature records reveals brief high-temperature periods (-17ﾰC to -9ﾰC) on several days, including days 0 and 1, 38, 40, 41, 43, 47, 48, 50, 57, and 58. Notably, days 61 and 62 show a continuous temperature increase from -5ﾰC to 15ﾰC for over 24 hours. Such fluctuations typically occur during temporary power outages during container transfers (loading, unloading, terminal operations).

Correlating these periods with the container's journey, we estimate:

• Day 0: Around July 14, 2022
• Days 57-58: Around September 7, 2022 (unloading and consignee pickup)
• Days 61-62: Around September 11, 2022 (devanning and return to CY)

Addressing the Claim of Continuous Refrigeration Failure:

The high-temperature period on days 57-58 doesn't represent a continuous 24-hour period. The temperature dropped below the set -25ﾰC at least once, indicating a normal refrigeration cycle. This evidence contradicts the opposite party's claim of continuous refrigeration equipment failure for over 24 hours, weakening their claim for insurance liability.

Shifting the Focus to Post-Delivery Temperature Anomalies:

The abnormal temperatures recorded on days 61-62 are more significant than those on days 57-58, both in duration and degree. If the cargo damage is indeed temperature-related, these later anomalies should be considered first. Importantly, this period falls outside the insurance coverage and carrier responsibility as the container was already at the consignee's warehouse.

Temperature Recorder Accuracy and Cargo Specifics:

The provided temperature data originates from a shipper-placed recorder inside the container. Placement, cargo stowage, and recorder accuracy can influence readings, potentially differing from the actual cargo temperature. Frozen cargo, due to its high specific heat capacity, doesn't exhibit rapid temperature changes. Experience shows that such cargo in a refrigerated environment can maintain its temperature for several days even without active refrigeration.

Conclusion:

Short-term temperature deviations, potentially caused by container transfers, are common in reefer transportation. Based on the available information, we believe our principal adhered to contractual temperature control obligations. The reported cargo damage, particularly the red shrimp shells, cannot be solely attributed to the brief high-temperature periods during transit. The cargo's frozen state during inspection further reinforces this. The damage likely stems from factors unrelated to transportation, possibly inherent cargo quality issues or problems arising during the consignee's custody.