Conair containers

In brief

A Conair container is an insulated refrigerated container without its own cooling unit. Two openings in the front wall connect it to an external refrigeration system, which supplies the container with cold air and extracts the warmed air. Conair containers are also known as porthole containers.

How does a Conair container work?

The container has two sealable air vents. Cold air flows in through the lower opening, and channels in the floor distribute it beneath the cargo.

The warmed air rises and flows back to the refrigeration system through the second opening. At sea, the supply was provided by the ship's central cooling system. On land, external clip-on units could be used.

What were Conair containers used for?

Conair containers were primarily used for transporting temperature-sensitive goods:

• Fruit and vegetables
• Meat and fish
• Dairy products
• Frozen goods
• Plants and flowers
• Other refrigerated goods

Today, they play almost no role in active refrigerated transport. Modern integral reefers have a built-in cooling unit and are more flexible to use.

What were the advantages of the Conair system?

Since there was no built-in unit, there was more space for cargo. In addition, the containers were lighter and had a simpler technical design.

However, the system had one decisive disadvantage: without an external refrigeration system, the container could not cool independently. Its use was therefore tied to compatible ships, terminals, or clip-on units.

Terminology: Conair vs. integral reefer

• Conair container: Insulated container without its own cooling unit
• Porthole container: Another term for a Conair container
• Integral reefer: Refrigerated container with a built-in cooling unit
• Insulated container: Insulated container without active cooling technology
• Clip-on unit: External refrigeration unit for a Conair container

Are Conair containers still used today?

The Conair system has been largely replaced by integral reefers. Modern container ships are equipped with power connections for refrigerated containers that have their own cooling units.

Decommissioned Conair containers are sometimes repurposed as insulated or storage containers. For this purpose, their air vents are permanently sealed and insulated. Active cooling is then only possible with additional equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a Conair container cool itself?

No. It requires an external refrigeration system or a compatible clip-on unit.

Why is it called a porthole container?

The name refers to the two round air vents on the front wall, which resemble ship portholes.

What is the difference compared to a modern refrigerated container?

A modern integral reefer has a built-in cooling unit, whereas a Conair container is supplied with cold air from an external source.

Can a Conair container be used as an insulated container?

Yes. Once the air vents have been professionally sealed, it can serve as an insulated storage container.

Is a Conair container still suitable for refrigerated goods?

Only with a functioning external refrigeration unit and appropriate monitoring. Integral reefers are typically used for modern cold chains.

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