40ft Used High Cube Ex Marine Refrigerated Containers
40ft used high cube ex-marine refrigerated containers, commonly known as reefers, are ISO-built, temperature-controlled containers originally used in international shipping. With extra internal height, heavy insulation, and marine-grade refrigeration systems, they are ideal for frozen, chilled, or temperature-sensitive storage, export shipping, and specialist conversion projects across the UK.
What Is a Refrigerated (Reefer) Container?
Refrigerated containers, often referred to as reefers, are specialist 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 for:
- Static cold storage
- Frozen storage
- Temperature-controlled logistics
- Specialist commercial applications
Unlike standard containers, reefers feature integrated refrigeration machinery, high-performance insulation, and food-grade interiors.
What Does “Ex-Marine” Mean?
An ex-marine refrigerated container is a unit retired from active service by a shipping line or leasing company.
These containers:
- Have been maintained to strict maritime standards
- Are designed for continuous international operation
- Show cosmetic wear from shipping use
- Remain structurally sound and thermally efficient
Marine-spec reefers are built for reliability rather than appearance.
Why Choose a 40ft High Cube Reefer?
A 40ft high cube refrigerated container offers more internal height than standard reefers, making it ideal for high-volume or tall palletised goods.
Key advantages include:
- Extra internal height for improved airflow and loading
- Large internal capacity for bulk cold storage
- Better suitability for conversion projects
- Strong value compared to multiple smaller units
If space allows, 40ft high cube reefers provide excellent cost-per-cubic-metre value.
Two Types of 40ft Used High Cube Reefers Available
Used Fully Operational (Refurbished / Cargo-Worthy)
These units are:
- Fully functional with working refrigeration machinery
- PTI tested to confirm operational performance
- CSC plated, suitable for export shipping
- Capable of maintaining set temperatures
Ideal for:
- Frozen and chilled storage
- Temperature-controlled export
- Food, pharmaceutical, and logistics use
Used Non-Operational (Thermal Storage)
These containers:
- Retain full insulation and structural integrity
- Have non-operational machinery
- Are not used for active refrigeration
Commonly used for:
- Temperature-stable dry storage
- Wood drying kilns
- Conversion projects (shops, offices, kitchens)
- Specialist insulated storage
These units offer excellent value where active cooling is not required.
Temperature Control & Performance (Operational Units)
Operational 40ft high cube reefers typically offer:
- Temperature ranges approx. -25°C to +25°C
- Thermostat-controlled refrigeration systems
- Stable internal environments regardless of weather
This makes them suitable for frozen, chilled, or controlled-ambient storage.
Construction & Materials (Marine Spec)
40ft ex-marine high cube reefers are constructed using:
- Corrosion-resistant steel or aluminium outer shell
- Stainless steel or food-grade aluminium interior
- High-performance insulation layers
- Aluminium T-bar flooring for airflow
This multi-material build delivers durability, hygiene, thermal efficiency, and security.
Shipping Certification & Testing
Depending on configuration, units may be supplied with:
- Valid CSC for export shipping (operational units)
- PTI testing confirming machinery performance
This ensures containers are safe, compliant, and operational at dispatch.
Standard 40ft High Cube Reefer Specifications
- External dimensions: 40ft (L) × 8ft (W) × 9ft 6in (H)
- Construction: Marine-grade steel / aluminium
- Interior: Stainless steel / food-grade aluminium
- Floor: Aluminium T-bar flooring
- Condition: Used / Ex-Marine
- Power requirement:
- 32 Amp
- 3-phase power supply
- D-rated (motor-rated) circuit breaker
Individual units vary by age, machinery type, and specification.
Typical Uses for 40ft High Cube Refrigerated Containers
These units are widely used by:
- Food and beverage distributors
- Seafood exporters
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Catering and event businesses
- Supermarkets and wholesalers
- Agricultural producers
They are also frequently used as walk-in freezers or fridges, offering significant savings over fixed cold-room installations.
Condition & What to Expect
Used reefers are sold for performance and insulation, not cosmetic appearance.
You should expect:
- Dents, scratches, and shipping livery
- Signs of previous marine use
- Cosmetic wear consistent with age
All functional aspects are assessed before sale where applicable.
Optional Extras & Conversions
Depending on application, options may include:
- Internal lighting
- Man-trap alarms
- Thermal strip curtains
- Flooring upgrades
- Repainting for improved appearance
- Conversion work for bespoke projects
Because reefers are specialised equipment, discussing requirements in advance is strongly recommended. – Check Out Our Shipping Container Conversion Page For More Information!
Delivery & Power Considerations
40ft reefers require:
- Suitable access for large delivery vehicles
- Adequate offloading space – See More Info Here On Shipping Container Delivery Information
- 3-phase power supply on site
If power or access is uncertain, this should be checked before ordering.
Commissioning After Delivery
A 40ft used high cube refrigerated container should be commissioned after delivery before it is relied on for frozen, chilled, or temperature-controlled storage.
Commissioning confirms that the reefer is connected to a suitable power supply, reaches the required set temperature, and is understood by the customer before regular use begins.
For used ex-marine reefers, commissioning is particularly useful because the container has been retired from international shipping and is being set up for a new static or commercial use.
Commissioning usually includes:
- Checking the visible power connection from the socket
- Confirming the container is connected to a suitable 3-phase supply
- Setting and testing the required temperature
- Explaining the controller and basic user operation
- Giving guidance on airflow and loading
- Explaining how to reduce ice build-up
- Completing handover or commissioning paperwork
A 40ft high cube reefer should be allowed to reach the required temperature before goods are loaded.
Customers should also keep the machinery end clear for airflow and engineer access, especially on larger sites where the container may be placed close to buildings, fences, or other storage units.
For a full breakdown of what happens after delivery, visit our container commissioning page.
Why Buy a 40ft Reefer from Bosh Boxes?
- Marine-spec containers sourced from trusted shipping lines
- Honest advice on operational vs non-operational units
- PTI and CSC supplied where applicable
- UK-wide delivery available
- Practical guidance to ensure suitability
We focus on making sure the reefer fits your use case, not overselling specifications.
Bottom Line
If you need high-capacity, temperature-controlled storage or shipping capability, a 40ft used high cube ex-marine refrigerated container delivers outstanding value. With marine-grade construction, excellent insulation, and flexible configurations, it remains one of the most capable cold-storage solutions available.
If a 40ft High Cube Container Is Too Big, Why Not Check Out Our 20ft Used Reefer Units?
For availability, specifications, and a tailored quote, contact Bosh Boxes today — The Bosh Boxes Way.
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