Container Cargo Trials Planned

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31522, 9 November 1967, Page 12

Container Cargo Trials Planned

Mr L. V. Etwell’s proposal for feasibility trials of insulated containers for trucking frozen meat to Lyttelton has been accepted by freezing companies.

Mr Etwell, principal of a Christchurch carrying company, is awaiting the construction of a prototype container of laminated plywood designed to carry a ton and a half of meat. His idea, designed to cut transport time between freezing works and| the port, has been put to the Lyttelton Harbour Board and depends on acceptance by the freezing companies and other parties involved. The feasibility trials will be made as soon as possible after the prototype containers are completed about the end of this month. “Initially, these trials will be to test loading at the freezing works’ present facilities, transit time to Lyttelton wharf, the unloading of containers direct from trucks into the ship’s hold, and the unloading of containers in the hold,” said Mr Etwell. “At the wharf the temperature holding qualities of the containers will be tested. It will be necessary to have several trials to ensure that these containers can be used at all stages of loading the ship and from each individual freezing works. “If the trial is successful and shows an economic adI vantage, negotiations will beI gin for a full trial—for example, the loading of a com- ■ plete hold by this method I using road transport. “My company appreciates fully the co-operation that has been shown by the harbour board, shipping companies,

freezing companies, the waterside workers and many ' others in negotiating these: trials, and because of this' attitude has confidence in its success for the quicker turn-. round of overseas ships and its resultant economies.

“This method will assure the continuing use of the facilities and the capital invested in the Lyttelton harbour and other ports that 1 have not committed themselves to the expenditure of ■ meat loading equipment,” Mr | Etwell said.