Great White Fleet expands cold chain capacity with fleet, container additions

Great White Fleet Corporation is expanding its global cold chain network with the deployment of its 14th active vessel, the addition of 2,000 refrigerated containers and the launch of new multimodal trade corridors across North and South America. The company said the expansion is aimed at increasing capacity for perishables and frozen cargo ahead of the Q4 2026 peak shipping season.

The fleet expansion includes the launch of the Chiquita Enterprise in late 2026 and the addition of 2,000 refrigerated containers equipped with Carrier Transicold OptimaLine technology designed to help extend the shelf life of produce during long-distance transit.

New services launching in October include a rail connection between Harvey, Illinois, and Gulfport, Mississippi, for exports to Central America, a direct ocean route linking Peru with Philadelphia, and an ocean service connecting Guayaquil, Ecuador, with U.S. and European ports.

“Deploying the Chiquita Enterprise and injecting 2,000 high-spec reefers into our network directly addresses the industry’s demand for reliable, high-precision cold chain capacity,” said Stefano di Paolo, president of Great White Fleet Corporation. “We are protecting our clients’ margins by preserving product quality across longer distances. Our aim, after all, is to be First in Fresh!”

The company said it is also pursuing decarbonization efforts through marine biofuel trials, energy-efficient refrigeration units and shore-power capabilities at ports.