Suez Canal Container Terminal to open reefer repair hub to all brands

Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) plans to open its reefer container inspection and repair hub to all brands, while also launching a dry container inspection and repair hub in October 2019.

Until just over a year ago, the terminal faced unnecessary costs for moving and repositioning reefer containers with damaged panels or defects that hadn’t been recorded.

Since it opened its reefer container inspection and repair hub for Maersk containers around a year ago, the facility has inspected close to 30,000 reefers.

The terminal now plans to offer the same service across all shipping lines, as the majority do not have their own inspection and repair process.

Inci Bicen, East Mediterranean (EMED) equipment maintenance and repair (EMR) manager for Maers, said: “Previously SCCT hired in a third-party to inspect and repair non-sound reefers.

“This brought added complexity and delays, particularly as the terminal had the internal capability to carry out the task much more efficiently.”

All technicians at the terminal have undergone training to inspect, wash and repair reefer container to Maersk standards.

SCCT has its own engineering training lab, which looks to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in equipment automation and technology.

Training is currently being extended to ensure that it meets the criteria for other major shipping lines.

Systems within the terminal have also been updated to accommodate new workflows and spare parts suppliers have been sourced.

Regarding SCCT’s plans to expand its reefer repair hub within Egypt, Bicen added: “We are making Egypt a competitor in the local market by bringing what we have done in SCCT to the surrounding area.

“The terminal is in a free zone, which provides a competitive advantage when purchasing spare parts.”