Ziemann Holvrieka equips cargo ship for safe transport of fruit juices
Citrosuco, the world’s largest producer of orange juice concentrate, relies on tanks and process technology from Ziemann Holvrieka to efficiently transport fresh juices and juice concentrates. The cargo ship MV Citrus Vita Brasil was equipped accordingly and can now transport 27 million liters of juice in 15 tanks from Brazil to the USA and Europe.
The container ship MV Hermes Arrow was converted into the combined juice tanker MV Citrus Vita Brasil. Eight tanks are dedicated exclusively to direct juice, while seven dual-function tanks can be used for both direct juice and concentrate. The juice tanker is two soccer fields long and holds 7 million gallons of juice, which is equivalent to a capacity of 27,000 m³.
The tanks are made of high-quality stainless steel and meet the highest DIN and ASME standards for aseptic conditions. Propeller agitators provide circulation of the tank contents, while loading pumps at the bottom of the hold are used to transport the juice.
To ensure juice quality, a protective atmosphere of nitrogen is created in all tanks and piping systems. Special valves, diaphragms and seals ensure sterility and prevent contamination of the juice.
The vessel has customized tank cleaning systems and a stand-alone CIP system for tank cleaning and disinfection. Cargo temperature is maintained by a refrigeration system that operates independently of ambient conditions. The vessel is equipped with an emergency generator to protect cargo in the event of a power failure.
Crew members are extensively trained to properly operate and maintain the processes. The vessel’s automation ensures proper processes and asepsis to ensure sterility of the final product.
The project was a successful collaboration between Citrosuco and Ziemann Holvrieka. The Citrus Vita Brasil provides greater transport capacity and more flexibility in the distribution of orange juice to meet the needs of different markets.
