Ziemann Holvrieka Enhances Fruit Juice Transportation on Cargo Ship
Seatrade, a leading shipping company specializing in fresh juices and juice concentrates, has partnered with Ziemann Holvrieka to optimize their transportation process. The cargo ship MV Juice Express has been equipped with cutting-edge tanks and process technology for efficient juice transport. It carries over two million liters of juice from Costa Rica and Mexico to Florida, USA.
Transporting perishable products like fruit juices over long distances is challenging due to potential spoilage. To ensure product quality, Seatrade sought the expertise of Ziemann Holvrieka, renowned for tanks and process technology. The Juice Express now boasts twelve tanks, with capacities ranging from 182,000 to 356,000 liters, along with a comprehensive piping system and a CIP cleaning system.
Compared to traditional truck fleets, the Juice Express offers more efficient transportation, reducing the number of required trucks by approximately 100 per voyage. This equates to around 2,000 fewer truck journeys annually, optimizing transportation while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Seatrade Shipmanagement B.V., a leading ship management company, operates the Juice Express as part of its fleet of nearly 100 vessels.
Hygiene is crucial in juice storage. Ziemann Holvrieka’s tanks are designed aseptically, preventing contamination. The tanks feature smooth surfaces, rounded corners, and self-draining contours, meeting hygiene guidelines set by the European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG) and the 3-A Sanitary Standards (3-A SSI). Constructed using stainless steel, the tanks ensure no interaction with the juice, maintaining product quality. Special sealing solutions prevent contamination by harmful microorganisms, while an integrated cooling system preserves freshness during transport.
To prevent oxidation, the tanks are purged with nitrogen, creating a protective atmosphere until the juices reach their destination in Florida. Thorough cleaning is achieved using a dedicated CIP system, carried out during the ship’s return journey to minimize costs. The tanks’ location is cooled to the appropriate temperature for the next batch.
Installing the tanks posed a unique challenge due to variations in ship construction. However, the collaboration between Seatrade and Ziemann Holvrieka successfully integrated the tanks into the MV Juice Express, combining ship management expertise with tank construction know-how. This project represents a significant innovation for the entire industry.
Seatrade and Ziemann Holvrieka have revolutionized fruit juice transportation by prioritizing efficiency, hygiene, and quality. The Juice Express ensures safe and fresh deliveries, setting new standards in the industry.