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    Reefer Shipping Market

    ID: MRFR/CR/22631-HCR
    100 Pages
    Snehal Singh
    October 2025

    Reefer Shipping Market Research Report: By Refrigerated Cargo Type (Perishables (Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Seafood), Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Electronics), By Vessel Type (Container Ships, Roll-on/Roll-off Vessels, Bulk Carriers, Tankers), By Reefer Capacity (Small (Below 1000 TEUs), Medium (1000-2500 TEUs), Large (Above 2500 TEUs)), By Shipment Distance (Short-Haul (Within 1000 nautical miles), Medium-Haul (1000-3000 nautical miles), Long-Haul (Above 3000 nautical miles)), By Service Type (Full Container Loads (FCL), Less than Container ...

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    Reefer Shipping Market Summary

    The Global Reefer Shipping Market is projected to grow from 16.38 USD Billion in 2024 to 23.34 USD Billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Reefer Shipping Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.27 percent from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 23.3 USD Billion, indicating robust growth.
    • in 2024, the market is valued at 16.38 USD Billion, reflecting a strong foundation for future expansion.
    • Growing adoption of refrigerated transport solutions due to increasing demand for perishable goods is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 16.38 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 23.34 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 3.27%

    Major Players

    CMA CGM, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, HapagLloyd AG, TransCold Holding, Star Shipping Group, NYK Line, Seatrade, Pacific International Lines, MOL Shipping, COSCO Shipping, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, Maersk Line, Seatrade Reefer Chartering, SeaCold Carriers

    Reefer Shipping Market Trends

    Major market trends in the Reefer Shipping Market include growing demand for perishable goods, increased trade in temperature-sensitive commodities, and technological advancements in refrigeration systems. The rising population and urbanization are driving the demand for food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, which require specialized transportation to maintain their quality and freshness. The expansion of e-commerce and the growth of emerging markets are also contributing to the growth of the reefer shipping industry. Technological advancements in refrigeration systems, such as the development of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerants, are improving the efficiency and sustainability of reefer vessels.

    The global reefer shipping market is poised for growth as demand for temperature-sensitive goods continues to rise, driven by evolving consumer preferences and an expanding global trade network.

    U.S. Department of Transportation

    Reefer Shipping Market Drivers

    Market Growth Projections

    The Global Reefer Shipping Market Industry is projected to experience robust growth in the coming years. The market is expected to reach a valuation of 16.4 USD Billion in 2024, with a significant increase anticipated by 2035, when it could reach 23.3 USD Billion. This growth trajectory indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.27% from 2025 to 2035. The increasing demand for perishable goods, coupled with advancements in technology and regulatory compliance, suggests a dynamic market landscape. Stakeholders in the industry should closely monitor these trends to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

    Expansion of Global Trade Networks

    The expansion of global trade networks plays a crucial role in the Global Reefer Shipping Market Industry. As countries engage in more extensive trade agreements and partnerships, the demand for efficient and reliable shipping solutions for perishable goods rises. This trend is particularly evident in emerging markets, where increased access to international markets drives the need for reefer shipping services. The interconnectedness of global supply chains necessitates robust logistics solutions, further propelling market growth. With the market projected to reach 23.3 USD Billion by 2035, the expansion of trade networks is likely to remain a key driver in the coming years.

    Rising Demand for Perishable Goods

    The Global Reefer Shipping Market Industry experiences a notable increase in demand for perishable goods, driven by changing consumer preferences and dietary habits. As consumers increasingly seek fresh produce, dairy, and meat products, the need for efficient transportation solutions becomes paramount. In 2024, the market is valued at 16.4 USD Billion, reflecting the growing importance of maintaining product quality during transit. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating a market value of 23.3 USD Billion by 2035. The rising demand for organic and locally sourced products further fuels this growth, necessitating advanced reefer shipping capabilities.

    Technological Advancements in Refrigeration

    Technological advancements in refrigeration systems significantly impact the Global Reefer Shipping Market Industry. Innovations such as energy-efficient cooling technologies and IoT-enabled monitoring systems enhance the reliability and efficiency of refrigerated transport. These advancements not only reduce operational costs but also improve the overall quality of perishable goods during transit. As companies increasingly adopt these technologies, the market is poised for growth, with a projected CAGR of 3.27% from 2025 to 2035. The integration of smart technologies allows for real-time tracking and monitoring, ensuring optimal conditions for sensitive cargo, thereby reinforcing the industry's commitment to quality.

    Consumer Awareness and Sustainability Trends

    Consumer awareness regarding sustainability and environmental impact is reshaping the Global Reefer Shipping Market Industry. As consumers become more conscious of the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly shipping solutions. Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as using energy-efficient refrigeration systems and optimizing shipping routes to reduce emissions. This shift not only aligns with consumer preferences but also enhances brand reputation. The market's projected growth, reaching 23.3 USD Billion by 2035, suggests that sustainability trends will continue to drive innovation and investment in the reefer shipping sector.

    Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety Standards

    Regulatory compliance and stringent food safety standards significantly influence the Global Reefer Shipping Market Industry. Governments worldwide are implementing rigorous regulations to ensure the safe transportation of perishable goods, which necessitates the use of specialized reefer shipping solutions. Companies must adhere to these regulations to avoid penalties and maintain consumer trust. As a result, the demand for compliant shipping services is likely to increase, driving market growth. The emphasis on food safety and quality assurance is expected to contribute to the market's expansion, with a projected CAGR of 3.27% from 2025 to 2035, highlighting the importance of regulatory adherence in the industry.

    Market Segment Insights

    Reefer Shipping Market Refrigerated Cargo Type Insights  

    The refrigerated cargo type segment is a significant component of the Reefer Shipping Market, accounting for a substantial share of the overall revenue. Perishables, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, constitute a major portion of the refrigerated cargo transported globally. The demand for reefer shipping services for perishable goods is driven by the growing global population and the increasing consumption of fresh produce.

    The market for refrigerated cargo types is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years, owing to the increasing demand for temperature-controlled transportation of perishable goods.Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronics are other important segments of the refrigerated cargo type market. The transportation of pharmaceuticals requires strict temperature control to maintain the efficacy and stability of the products. The growth of the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in emerging markets, is expected to drive the demand for reefer shipping services for pharmaceuticals.

    Chemicals and electronics are also sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and their transportation requires specialized reefer containers to maintain the required temperature conditions.The increasing global trade of chemicals and electronics is expected to contribute to the growth of the refrigerated cargo type market for these segments.

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Reefer Shipping Market Vessel Type Insights  

    The Reefer Shipping Market is segmented by Vessel Type into Container Ships, Roll-on/Roll-off Vessels, Bulk Carriers, and Tankers. Among these, Container Ships held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for over 55% of the Reefer Shipping Market revenue. This dominance is primarily attributed to the increasing demand for refrigerated containers for transporting perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals, across long distances.

    Roll-on/Roll-off Vessels are expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to their ability to handle a wide range of cargo, including vehicles, machinery, and project cargo.The Reefer Shipping Market data indicates that Bulk Carriers and Tankers are also expected to contribute significantly to the market growth, driven by the growing demand for bulk commodities and liquid products, respectively.

    Reefer Shipping Market Reefer Capacity Insights  

    The Reefer Shipping Market is segmented by Reefer Capacity into Small (Below 1000 TEUs), Medium (1000-2500 TEUs), and Large (Above 2500 TEUs). The Medium segment is estimated to hold the largest market share in 2023, accounting for approximately 42% of the Reefer Shipping Market revenue. This is primarily due to the increasing demand for medium-sized reefer vessels for transporting perishable goods over short and medium distances.

    The Large segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the growing demand for large-capacity reefer vessels for transporting large volumes of perishable goods over long distances.The Small segment is expected to account for a relatively smaller market share due to the limited capacity of these vessels. Overall, the Reefer Shipping Market is expected to grow at a steady pace over the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for perishable goods and the need for efficient and reliable transportation solutions.

    Reefer Shipping Market Shipment Distance Insights  

    The Reefer Shipping Market is segmented based on shipment distance into short-haul (within 1000 nautical miles), medium-haul (1000-3000 nautical miles), and long-haul (above 3000 nautical miles). Among these segments, the long-haul segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate over the forecast period due to the increasing demand for perishable goods from emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

    In 2023, the long-haul segment accounted for a significant share of the Reefer Shipping Market revenue, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.The growth of this segment is driven by factors such as the rising consumption of perishable goods, the expansion of global trade, and the development of new markets for perishable products. The medium-haul segment is also expected to experience steady growth over the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for perishable goods from neighboring countries.

    The short-haul segment is expected to witness the slowest growth rate, as it is primarily driven by domestic trade and is less affected by factors such as global trade and economic fluctuations.Overall, the segmentation of the Reefer Shipping Market based on shipment distance provides insights into the different growth dynamics and opportunities within the market.

    Reefer Shipping Market Service Type Insights  

    The Reefer Shipping Market segmentation by Service Type can be categorized into Full Container Loads (FCL), Less than Container Loads (LCL), and Specialized Services (Temperature-Controlled, Atmosphere-Controlled). FCL services account for a significant portion of the market, offering dedicated containers for larger shipments. LCL services cater to smaller shipments, allowing consolidation with other cargo to optimize costs. Specialized services, such as temperature and atmosphere-controlled transportation, address specific requirements for perishable and sensitive goods.The market growth is driven by increasing global trade and the demand for specialized transportation solutions for perishable commodities.

    Get more detailed insights about Reefer Shipping Market

    Regional Insights

    The Reefer Shipping Market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for perishable goods and globalization of trade. Regionally, North America and Europe are expected to continue to be the largest markets, with APAC expected to grow at a faster pace. North America is projected to account for over USD 3.5 billion in revenue by 2024, driven by strong demand for perishable goods and a growing population.

    Europe is expected to account for over USD 3 billion in revenue by 2024 due to increasing demand for imported perishable goods and a growing tourism industry.APAC is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period, driven by rising disposable income and increasing urbanization. South America and MEA are expected to account for a smaller share of the market but are expected to grow at a steady pace due to increasing demand for perishable goods and developing economies.

    Reefer Shipping Market Regional Insights

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    Major players in the Reefer Shipping Market industry are constantly striving to gain a competitive edge by investing in research and development, expanding their fleet capacity, and forming strategic alliances. Leading Reefer Shipping Market players are focusing on developing innovative technologies and solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers, such as advanced temperature control systems and real-time cargo tracking technologies.

    The Reefer Shipping Market Competitive Landscape is characterized by intense competition among major players, with each company seeking to differentiate itself through its service offerings, operational efficiency, and customer relationships.One of the key players in the Reefer Shipping Market is CMA CGM, a French shipping company headquartered in Marseille, France. CMA CGM is a global leader in the transportation of refrigerated goods, with a fleet of over 550 vessels, including specialized reefer ships. 

    The company offers a wide range of reefer services, including controlled atmosphere (CA) and modified atmosphere (MA) transportation, as well as specialized equipment for the transportation of perishable goods. CMA CGM is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using energy-efficient technologies and investing in renewable energy sources.Another major player in the Reefer Shipping Market is MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, a Swiss-Italian shipping company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. MSC is the second largest container shipping company in the world, with a fleet of over 600 vessels, including reefer ships.

    The company offers a comprehensive range of reefer services, including temperature-controlled transportation, specialized equipment for the handling of perishable goods, and door-to-door logistics solutions. MSC is continuously investing in new technologies and infrastructure to enhance its service offerings and meet the growing needs of its customers.

    Key Companies in the Reefer Shipping Market market include

    Industry Developments

    The Reefer Shipping Market is expected to reach USD 20.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.27% during the forecast period (2023-2032). The increasing demand for perishable goods, particularly in emerging economies, is driving market growth. Additionally, the expansion of the e-commerce industry and the growing popularity of meal-kit delivery services are contributing to the demand for refrigerated shipping solutions. Moreover, technological advancements, such as the development of energy-efficient reefer containers and real-time tracking systems, are enhancing the efficiency and reliability of reefer shipping services.

    Recent news developments include CMA CGM's acquisition of reefer specialist Mercosul Line and Hapag-Lloyd's investment in new reefer vessels to cater to the growing demand for refrigerated shipping capacity.

    Future Outlook

    Reefer Shipping Market Future Outlook

    The Reefer Shipping Market is projected to grow at a 3.30% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing global trade, demand for perishable goods, and technological advancements in shipping.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Invest in advanced refrigeration technologies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
    • Expand services in emerging markets to capitalize on rising demand for fresh produce and pharmaceuticals.
    • Develop integrated logistics solutions that streamline supply chains for perishable goods, improving delivery times.

    By 2035, the Reefer Shipping Market is expected to be robust, reflecting sustained growth and innovation.

    Market Segmentation

    Reefer Shipping Market Regional Outlook

    • North America

    Reefer Shipping Market Vessel Type Outlook

    • Container Ships

    Reefer Shipping Market Service Type Outlook

    • Full Container Loads (FCL)

    Reefer Shipping Market Reefer Capacity Outlook

    • Small (Below 1000 TEUs)

    Reefer Shipping Market Shipment Distance Outlook

    • Short-Haul (Within 1000 nautical miles)

    Reefer Shipping Market Refrigerated Cargo Type Outlook

    • Perishables (Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Seafood)

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2024  16.38 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2025  16.91 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2035 23.34 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 3.27% (2025 - 2035)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2024
    Market Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2019 - 2023
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled HapagLloyd AG, TransCold Holding, Star Shipping Group, NYK Line, Seatrade, Pacific International Lines, CMA CGM Group, MOL Shipping, COSCO Shipping, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, Maersk Line, Seatrade Reefer Chartering, SeaCold Carriers, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
    Segments Covered Refrigerated Cargo Type, Vessel Type, Reefer Capacity, Shipment Distance, Service Type, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities 1 Growing global fruit and vegetable trade2 Expansion of temperature-controlled logistics3 Demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions4 Technological advancements in refrigeration systems5 Increasing consumption of perishable goods
    Key Market Dynamics 1 Rising demand for perishable goods2 Expansion of ecommerce and online grocery3 Stringent regulatory frameworks4 Technological advancements such as controlled atmosphere and remote monitoring systems5 Growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA

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    FAQs

    What is the Market size of the Reefer Shipping Market ?

    Reefer Shipping Market Value at USD23.34 Billion and Grow at a CAGR of3.27%by 2025-2035

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