Analysis of shipments of cut tulips in 12 reefer containers

The aim of this study is to analyse the available data on 12 cut tulip shipments and, more generally, to evaluate the way of shipping cut tulips. The specified settings for all containers are Tset = +0.5 °C, RHset = 65% and Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) = 5 m3/h. Available data include bills of lading, shipper’s temperature recorders, survey reports and RCM unit downloads. The available data reveal freezing injury and subzero temperatures in multiple containers. In the discussion it is explained that the risk of freezing injury is inherent to the combination of load and unit settings. It is concluded that the reported way of shipping cut tulips impairs temperature control by multiple mechanisms related to dehumidification, and the physical process of evaporative cooling which is activated due to dehumidification. For future shipments the most important recommendation is to not specify a relative humidity set point, to use procona boxes to ship the tulips vertically and supply water-dissolved growth inhibitor BVB+. Do not use more water than needed to dissolve the BVB+. Use the procona boxes for rehydration after arrival.