Traditional refrigerated trucks have long been the backbone of frozen seafood distribution, but their high operating costs and inflexibility are creating serious challenges for the industry. Innovative thermal battery technology is revolutionising this model by eliminating diesel-powered refrigeration while enabling standard vehicles to maintain the cold chain, delivering immediate cost savings and operational flexibility.
The Hidden Cost Burden of Traditional Refrigeration
Seafood logistics depend on cold chain integrity, but diesel-powered refrigerated vehicles come with significant financial downsides. Running a refrigerated fleet means contending with both high initialinvestment and substantial ongoing expenses.
Immediate Savings Through Passive Cooling Innovation
CoolRun replaces diesel refrigeration with a remarkably effective alternative: passive cooling pods powered by frozen “thermal battery” plates. This eliminates the secondary engine that typically burns fuel to maintain frozen temperatures.
The system works simply and efficiently. Thermal batteries are frozen at the depot using grid or renewable energy, then inserted into insulated CoolRun pods. This provides reliable cooling for a full day’s deliveries with zero on-road refrigeration fuel consumption.
With minimal moving parts, the pods require negligible maintenance compared to complex diesel refrigeration systems. Real-world implementation shows companies save up to £5,200 annually* per vehicle by eliminating refrigeration fuel (£1,900), maintenance costs (£2,500), and additional operating expenses – approximately a 12% reduction in total cost of ownership when factoring in depreciation associated with transport refrigeration units (TRUs).
These specialised vehicles also create operational inefficiencies. During demand fluctuations, refrigerated trucks often sit idle, costing the company money. Multi-drop routes compound the problem, as frequent door openings cause temperature fluctuations that increase fuel consumption.
Additionally, refrigerated vehicles left in transport yards must be plugged into the mains. If they aren’t, temperatures rise, jeopardising product quality and cold chain integrity. CoolRun Pods eliminate this risk entirely by keeping contents cold independently.
Standard Vehicles, Greater Operational Flexibility
CoolRun’s most transformative advantage is its ability to turn multiple types of vehicles into refrigerated delivery units without modifications. This enables unprecedented fleet management flexibility.
There’s no need to invest in specialised refrigerated vehicles. Cold chain transport can be achieved using CoolRun pods on any vehicle, including ambient curtain-side trucks or even pallet networks. This provides additional flexibility in how and where temperature-controlled loads can travel, particularly during peak demand periods.
Picking Process and Order Fulfilment
No need for palletising, multiple transfers, or excess handling – CoolRun simplifies the process from picking to delivery. In some scenarios, customers prefer to store pods in freezers stocked with goods (without PCMs) that are picked to customer orders. When it’s time for delivery, they are rolled into the marshalling area, thermal batteries are added, and they are trolleyed directly into vehicles for transport.
Proven Results: Fastnet Fish Leads the Way
Fastnet Fish, a forward-thinking seafood wholesaler based in Grimsby, has been at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the industry. Known for their collaborative research with Lincoln University on sustainable fishing and distribution methods that don’t compromise profitability, Fastnet Fish was among the first to recognise CoolRun’s potential.
CoolRun worked closely with Fastnet Fish to conduct comprehensive static and road trials, gathering data that demonstrated both the cost and environmental benefits of the system. The partnership has been instrumental in refining the solution for real-world seafood distribution challenges.
Fastnet Fish’s ongoing work with Lincoln University’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) focuses on developing sustainable practices throughout the seafood supply chain. Their research into energy-efficient refrigeration aligns perfectly with CoolRun’s approach, demonstrating how cutting-edge sustainability solutions can deliver commercial advantages rather than adding cost premiums.
The trials with Fastnet Fish validate the system’s effectiveness across various seafood products including block frozen fish, individually quick frozen (IQF) portions, and seafood sundries across multiple delivery routes with approximately 8-9 stops per delivery route.
The company’s mandatory requirement to maintain temperatures below -14°C has been consistently achieved, with pods sustaining temperatures below -15°C for up to 17 hours even during multi-drop routes.
Implementation of the pods is straightforward – the entire system can be deployed within a single day without vehicle modifications or operational disruption.
The system makes traditional TRU operation redundant, eliminating associated fuel usage while maintaining perfect cold chain compliance during early-morning dispatches.
Eliminating Traditional Bottlenecks
Fastnet Fish is gaining significant efficiencies through a new picking and order fulfilment process utilising the caster wheeled version of the CoolRun pods. Pods initially sit in freezers stocked with goods that are picked to customer orders. When it’s time for delivery, PCM thermal batteries are added, and the pods are trolleyed directly into vehicles for the delivery run.
No need for palletising – the CoolRun system eliminates the traditional requirement to consolidate products onto separate pallets before transport, saving time and reducing handling.
Continuously cooled marshalling areas become obsolete – purpose-built refrigerated staging zones are no longer necessary, reducing facility costs and energy consumption.
Multiple transfers are eliminated – goods avoid the temperature fluctuations that typically occur during repeated movements between storage locations and vehicles throughout the distribution chain.
Excess handling is minimised – staff spend significantly less time physically manipulating products through various temperature-controlled environments, reducing labour costs and preventing product damage.
Environmental Benefits Beyond Cost Savings
While financial advantages drive adoption, CoolRun also delivers significant environmental benefits. By eliminating diesel refrigeration, the system reduces carbon emissions by an estimated 5.1 tonnes CO₂e per vehicle annually. The passive cooling approach also eliminates the need for high Global Warming Potential refrigerants during transit.
By removing the diesel refrigeration unit, CoolRun slashes refrigeration-related emissions by up to 100%* (virtually eliminating that source of pollution). This equates to roughly an 11.5% reduction* in overall vehicle emissions per truck, helping companies make significant progress toward their sustainability targets without additional costs.
A New Era of Cost-Efficient Cold Logistics
CoolRun is transforming frozen seafood logistics by delivering tangible savings and flexibility from day one. By eliminating diesel refrigeration and enabling the use of standard vehicles, it empowers businesses to cut costs, adapt faster, and maintain product integrity.
For any seafood distributor looking to enhance competitiveness, the proposition is compelling: reduce operating costs, gain fleet flexibility, and deliver with confidence while leaving diesel dependence behind – just as industry leaders like Fastnet Fish are already doing.