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20ft Used Ex-Marine Refrigerated Containers

Interior of 20ft used marine reefer container with doors open, showing insulated walls and T-section aluminium floor
20ft used marine reefer container with Cronos branding and rear doors closed
20ft used marine refrigerated container with Carrier cooling unit
Interior view of 20ft used marine reefer container showing T-section aluminium floor and insulated walls

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.

Prices From £4750 + VAT

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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.

shipment of shipping containers in an array or conditions and colours.

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

FactorUsed Ex-MarineNew One-Trip
PriceLower upfront costHigher purchase price
Machinery ageProven working unitLatest generation equipment
Cosmetic conditionUsedNear new
Best forStatic 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)
Reefer shipping container with refrigeration unit for chilled or frozen storage

Typical Uses for 20ft Refrigerated Containers

These containers are widely used across industries requiring temperature control, including:

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.

Image showing Gas refrigerant type for a reefer container

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.

All sizes stocked shipping containers graphic with crane hook – Bosh Boxes branding.

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/

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/

Hiab vs Sidelifter split-screen showing a Hiab crane truck on the left and a green sidelifter lifting a shipping container on the right with bold yellow comparison text

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.

 

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