20ft Used Ex-Marine Refrigerated Containers
20ft used ex-marine refrigerated containers for sale UK are retired intermodal reefers repurposed for chilled or frozen storage. We confirm the exact unit’s condition and machinery test status before dispatch. If export is required, its CSC examination or ACEP status, structure, carrier acceptance, route and machinery readiness must be checked; “ex-marine” alone does not prove export readiness. See our marine-spec reefer, PTI and CSC guide.
What Is a Refrigerated (Reefer) Container?
A 20ft refrigerated container, commonly called a reefer, is an insulated intermodal container with integrated refrigeration machinery. It is designed to maintain correctly prepared cargo or stock within the operating limits of the exact machinery model and site conditions; it is not automatically a blast freezer.
Typical features include integrated machinery, heavy insulation, an easy-clean interior and aluminium T-floor channels for bottom-air circulation. Learn more in our guide to how refrigerated containers work.
What Does “Ex-Marine” Mean?
An ex-marine refrigerated container is a reefer retired from active shipping-line service and offered for another use, commonly static cold storage. “Ex-marine” describes its service history; it is not, by itself, a condition grade, age guarantee, PTI result or proof of current export eligibility.
Age, machinery, refrigerant, cosmetic condition, structural condition and test history vary by unit. Used examples should be judged on the exact container offered and the evidence supplied with it. Cosmetic wear, repairs and previous shipping-line markings are normal.
Temperature Control & Performance
20ft used refrigerated containers can support chilled, frozen or controlled-temperature storage, but the safe operating range varies by machinery model, refrigerant, configuration, ambient conditions and unit condition.
We confirm the rated range and test evidence for the exact unit offered. Standard reefers are generally designed to maintain properly prepared goods at temperature, not to act as universal blast freezers or rapid pull-down rooms.
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.
Shipping Certification & PTI Testing
CSC and PTI confirm different things. CSC examination or ACEP relates to the container’s structural safety for transport. A PTI is a point-in-time machinery inspection or diagnostic check; it does not guarantee future fault-free operation.
For static UK cold storage, we confirm the inspection and running-test evidence supplied with the exact unit. If export is required, current CSC status, structural condition, carrier acceptance, destination requirements and machinery readiness must all be checked before purchase.
Ask us for the PTI date, test scope, result and any recorded alarms or repairs. Read our marine-spec reefer, PTI and CSC guide for the full distinction.
Standard 20ft Used Refrigerated Container Specifications
- External size: approximately 20ft × 8ft × 8ft 6in; confirm the exact unit.
- Construction: insulated ex-marine intermodal reefer body.
- Interior: easy-clean lining and aluminium T-floor; materials vary by unit.
- Condition: used/ex-marine, with cosmetic wear expected.
- CSC: current examination or ACEP status confirmed where export or transport use requires it.
- Machinery check: PTI or running-test scope and date confirmed for the exact unit.
- Power: voltage, phase, frequency, plug, full-load current and protective device must be taken from the exact machinery data plate and checked by a qualified electrician.
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 or medical storage only where the complete system is qualified, monitored and validated for the intended use
- 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
Before dispatch, we confirm the machinery inspection or running-test information supplied with the exact unit, including its scope and date.
See our used shipping-container condition guide for realistic cosmetic expectations.
Optional Extras & Conversions
Depending on your use, additional options may include:
- Internal lighting
- Person-trapped alarms, emergency release and lighting where the site risk assessment and applicable workplace rules require them
- 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 normally needs an external industrial electrical supply and clear ventilation around the machinery end. The exact voltage, phase, frequency, plug, cable, current and protective device vary by unit.
Before delivery, have a qualified electrician verify the machinery data plate against the site supply and protection. Running cost depends on setpoint, ambient conditions, door openings, stock temperature, insulation and machinery condition. Use our reefer power guide and running-cost guide for measured planning.
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 used refrigerated container requires suitable vehicle access, firm level ground and enough clear working space for the chosen unloading method. The machinery end must remain ventilated after placement.
Before delivery, have a qualified electrician confirm that the site supply and protection match the exact unit’s data plate. Reefers cannot run without a suitable, stable electrical connection.
If access is uncertain, read our HIAB vs sidelifter delivery guide and container-delivery access guide, then send us site photos and measurements.
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
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.