Reefer Engineer

A marine engineer specializing in the refrigeration plant that maintains cargo temperatures on reefer ships and in refrigerated containers. On dedicated reefer vessels the role manages the central refrigeration system: compressors, brine or direct-expansion circuits, and the air-delivery to insulated cargo holds, keeping fruit, fish, and frozen cargo within tight setpoints. The engineer monitors refrigerant charge (ammonia, R-404A, or CO2), runs pre-trip cooling, and logs hold temperatures. The work requires an STCW engineering certificate plus refrigeration-handling competence and, for many refrigerants, an F-gas or ozone-depleting-substance handling qualification.