Horizon Lines Inc has boosted its supply of refrigerated containers as part of its ongoing equipment investment programme.

The company will this month (October) take delivery of 1,200 new 45 ft containers as part of the programme.
 This year Horizon has ordered 2,200 new dry containers, including the 45 ft dry containers and 600 40 ft high-cube boxes. Also added were 1,000 new high-cube refrigerated containers (reefers), including 40 ft reefers and 45 ft reefers specifically for use in the Puerto Rico trade. Horizon has acquired more than 235 flat-racks in the Pacific services, particularly to Hawaii, where this oversized cargo shipping equipment is especially useful for construction and heavy equipment shippers.
The equipment investment programme has been launched within the framework of Horizon’s vessel fleet enhancement strategy aimed at optimising shipping equipment capacity and promoting flexibility in handling special cargo. Five new Hunter-class container vessels were deployed by Horizon this year, each having a capacity of  2,824 teu and a service speed above 23 knots.
John Keenan, president of Horizon Lines LLC, commented: “Our investment programme underscores the commitment of Horizon Lines to the markets we serve. We carefully study the equipment needs of our customers, prepare the best design and build the right equipment to meet those needs.”
The new 45 ft containers will allow Horizon Lines customers to ship more cargo in one shipment without modifications to existing operations. Unlike domestic trailers, 45 ft containers can be handled on conventional containerships without special handling. Horizon’s new reefer equipment and flat-racks help to serve the special needs of perishables shippers and oversize cargo customers.
“These additions and upgrades give our customer more choice to move cargo in the safest and most cost-effective manner,” Keenan said. “From an equipment-design standpoint, we are always looking at ways to make shipping for our customers easier, safer, more reliable and more secure. Our recent container fleet enhancements fit that objective.”
Horizon Lines Inc is the nation’s leading domestic ocean shipping and integrated logistics company comprised of two primary operating subsidiaries. Horizon Lines, LLC operates a fleet of 21 US-flag containerships and five port terminals linking the continental US with Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia and Puerto Rico.