20ft Used Ex-Marine Refrigerated Containers
20ft used ex marine refrigerated containers, commonly known as reefer containers, are temperature-controlled ISO containers originally used in international shipping. Supplied with a working refrigeration unit, stainless steel interior, and a valid CSC, they are ideal for cold storage, frozen storage, or temperature-controlled export where precise temperature control is required.
What Is a Refrigerated (Reefer) Container?
Refrigerated containers, often referred to as reefers, are specialised shipping containers designed to maintain a controlled internal temperature regardless of external conditions.
Originally built for transporting perishable goods by sea, reefers are now widely used across the UK for static cold storage, freezer storage, and temperature-controlled logistics.
Unlike standard containers, reefers feature:
- Integrated refrigeration machinery
- Heavy insulation
- Stainless steel interiors
- T-bar or aluminium flooring for airflow
This allows goods to be stored at set temperatures, rather than relying on ambient conditions.
What Does “Ex-Marine” Mean?
An ex-marine refrigerated container is a unit that has been retired from active shipping service by a shipping line or leasing company.
These containers:
- Are typically 10–15 years old
- Have been maintained to strict maritime standards
- Are mechanically tested before resale
- Show cosmetic wear consistent with international use
While appearance may vary, functionality and structural integrity are the priority.
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
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 performance, not cosmetics.
You should expect:
- Dents, surface rust, and shipping livery
- Cosmetic wear from international use
- Stiff doors that benefit from regular maintenance
All units are mechanically tested, and photos shown are representative only. – See More Info On Used Containers Here!
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.
Delivery & Power Considerations
Refrigerated containers require:
- Suitable delivery access for a 20ft unit
- A 3-phase power supply on site
- Adequate ventilation around the refrigeration unit
If you are unsure about power availability or site suitability, this should be discussed in advance.
Why Buy a 20ft Reefer from Bosh Boxes?
- Containers sourced from trusted shipping lines
- CSC supplied for export use
- PTI testing included
- Honest advice on suitability and running costs
- UK-wide delivery available
We focus on making sure a reefer is right for your application, not simply supplying equipment.
Why Buy a 20ft Reefer from Bosh Boxes?
If you need reliable, temperature-controlled storage or shipping capability, a 20ft used ex-marine refrigerated container offers outstanding value. With controlled temperatures, industrial durability, and shipping certification, it remains one of the most versatile cold-storage solutions available.
If a 20ft is too small, why not check out our 40ft Used High Cube Ex Marine Refrigerated Containers?
For availability, specifications, and a tailored quote, contact Bosh Boxes today — The Bosh Boxes Way.
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