20ft Used Ex-Marine Refrigerated Containers
20ft used ex-marine refrigerated containers for sale UK are temperature-controlled ISO shipping containers retired from international service and repurposed for reliable cold storage. These 20ft reefer containers are supplied with a working refrigeration unit, valid CSC certification, and PTI testing, making them suitable for frozen storage, chilled goods, or export use.
What Is a Refrigerated (Reefer) Container?
A 20ft refrigerated container, commonly called a reefer, is a self-contained cold storage unit capable of maintaining set temperatures regardless of outside conditions.
Unlike standard storage containers, reefers include:
- Integrated refrigeration machinery
- Heavy insulation
- Stainless steel interior lining
- Aluminium T-bar flooring for airflow
For a full breakdown, see:
Refrigerated Containers Explained
https://boshboxes.store/refrigerated-shipping-containers-explained/
What Does “Ex-Marine” Mean?
An ex-marine refrigerated container has completed its working life in international shipping before being retired from service.
Typical characteristics:
- 10–15 years old
- Maintained under maritime inspection standards
- Mechanically tested before resale
- Cosmetic wear from global transport
These units are sold for mechanical performance, not appearance.
Temperature Control & Performance
20ft used refrigerated containers are capable of maintaining a wide temperature range.
Typical performance includes:
- Minimum set points: approx. -25°C
- Maximum set points: approx. +25°C
- Some models capable of wider ranges depending on unit and engine
A thermostat continuously monitors internal temperature and adjusts output to keep goods within the required range.
This makes reefers suitable for:
- Frozen storage
- Chilled storage
- Ambient temperature-controlled storage
Used 20ft Reefer vs New One-Trip
| Factor | Used Ex-Marine | New One-Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower upfront cost | Higher purchase price |
| Machinery age | Proven working unit | Latest generation equipment |
| Cosmetic condition | Used | Near new |
| Best for | Static cold storage | Long-term commercial use |
Businesses prioritising value often choose used 20ft refrigerated containers for static storage.
Businesses requiring extended lifespan may prefer new units.
Compare options here:
https://boshboxes.store/20ft-new-one-trip-refrigerated-containers/
Shipping Certification & PTI Testing
Our 20ft used ex-marine refrigerated containers are supplied with:
- A valid CSC, suitable for export shipping
- A PTI (Pre-Trip Inspection) confirming the refrigeration machinery is fully operational at the point of dispatch
PTI testing ensures:
- The engine has been inspected by a qualified engineer
- No apparent faults are present
- The unit is running as expected before delivery
For export use, some suppliers can pre-set or pre-condition to your required temperature or humidity.
Standard 20ft Used Refrigerated Container Specifications
- External dimensions: 20ft (L) × 8ft (W) × 8ft 6in (H)
- Construction: COR-TEN steel shell
- Interior: Stainless steel
- Floor: Aluminium T-bar flooring
- Condition: Used / Ex-Marine
- Certification: CSC supplied
- Testing: PTI engine check included
- Power requirement:
- 32 Amp
- 3-phase power supply
- D-rated (motor-rated) circuit breaker required (C-Rated May Be Suitable)
Typical Uses for 20ft Refrigerated Containers
These containers are widely used across industries requiring temperature control, including:
- Food and beverage storage
- Seafood and meat processing
- Pharmaceutical and medical storage
- Catering and event preparation
- Floral storage
- Supermarkets and wholesalers
- Agricultural and rural cold storage – See more info on how Farmers are using shipping containers!
They are often used as walk-in fridges, offering significantly better value than purpose-built cold rooms. – Please ensure, especially if the unit is for Frozen goods, door openings are kept to a minimum.
Value Compared to Walk-In Cold Rooms
A used 20ft refrigerated container typically costs a fraction of the price of a traditional walk-in fridge or freezer.
Key advantages include:
- Self-contained refrigeration system
- Portability
- Industrial durability
- Lower upfront cost
- Flexible temperature range
For many businesses, a reefer provides better long-term value than fixed cold-storage installations.
Condition & What to Expect
Used refrigerated containers are sold for functionality, not aesthetics.
Expect:
- Dents and surface corrosion
- Shipping line branding
- Cosmetic paint wear
- Stiff doors requiring lubrication
Each unit is PTI tested before dispatch to confirm refrigeration operation.
For guidance on buying used containers, see:
https://boshboxes.store/expectations-when-buying-a-used-shipping-container/
Optional Extras & Conversions
Depending on your use, additional options may include:
- Internal lighting
- Man-trap alarms (often required by law for freezers)
- Thermal strip curtains
- Easy-open doors
- Repainting for improved appearance
- Flooring upgrades for forklift use
Because reefers are specialised equipment, we strongly recommend discussing requirements before ordering.
Power Requirements & Running Costs
A 20ft used refrigerated container requires:
- 3-phase 380–440V supply
- 32 amp motor-rated breaker
- Adequate ventilation around the condenser
Running costs depend on ambient temperature and usage patterns.
For a detailed breakdown, see:
Reefer Costs: Electricity, Maintenance & Lifespan
https://boshboxes.store/reefer-costs-electricity-maintenance-lifespan/
Commissioning After Delivery
A 20ft used refrigerated container must be commissioned after delivery before it is relied on for chilled or frozen storage.
Container commissioning checks that the unit has suitable power, reaches the required temperature, and is understood by the customer before use.
Commissioning usually includes:
- Checking the visible power connection from the socket
- Confirming the unit is connected to a suitable 3-phase supply
- Setting and testing the target temperature
- Explaining basic controller operation
- Giving loading and airflow guidance
- Explaining how to reduce ice build-up
- Completing handover or commissioning paperwork
A refrigerated container should reach the required temperature before goods are loaded.
For a full breakdown of what happens after delivery, visit our container commissioning page.
Delivery & Site Planning
Delivery of a 20ft reefer container requires:
- Access suitable for HIAB or flatbed
- Level, load-bearing ground
- Confirmed 3-phase power supply
Reefers cannot operate without stable electrical connection.
If unsure, review:
https://boshboxes.store/hiab-vs-sidelifter-delivery/
https://boshboxes.store/measure-access-for-shipping-container-delivery/
Why Buy a 20ft Used Reefer from Bosh Boxes?
- Containers sourced from established shipping lines
- CSC supplied where required
- PTI testing included
- Honest advice on suitability
- Nationwide UK delivery
- Practical support on power and access
We prioritise suitability over sales.
Related Refrigerated Container Options
40ft Used High Cube Ex-Marine Refrigerated Containers
https://boshboxes.store/40ft-used-high-cube-marine-refrigerated-containers/Refrigerated Containers for Sale UK
https://boshboxes.store/refrigerated-containers/Temporary Cold Storage Solutions
https://boshboxes.store/temporary-cold-storage-solutions/
Need Some More Info From The Bosh Boxes Team?
Need a 20ft used refrigerated container?
Call 01375 503890 or email sales@boshboxes.store to confirm availability and delivery costs anywhere in the UK.
Prefer a written quote?
Use the enquiry form and we’ll confirm specification, lead time, and total delivery cost clearly before you commit.
20ft ex-marine reefers offer cost-effective, industrial cold storage delivered nationwide, The Bosh Boxes Way.