<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-08-26T13:36:10Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/DC3B315A-47E5-471B-B9BB-C51D40719F53" ns1:id="DC3B315A-47E5-471B-B9BB-C51D40719F53"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/101B3830-D1E1-4949-8CCE-839C2BEE5A80" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/B254F42A-EB2C-4759-9D4A-B481895DE974" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/969F032F-60C4-4137-A0AF-A34164545E3C" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/6A3F791C-C9BB-4126-B6AC-BAAF3FCA6839" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/B254F42A-EB2C-4759-9D4A-B481895DE974" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-03-30T23:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/09ABC860-B8EE-4B7A-A71B-305249846AF4" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2025-08-31T23:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10161412</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Zero Emission Refrigerated Freight Container with Solid-State Cooling and Novel Insulations</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>Refrigerated containers are essential to global maritime logistics, supporting the movement of temperature-sensitive goods such as food and pharmaceuticals. However, current systems rely heavily on vapour compression technologies and fluorinated refrigerants, which are energy-intensive and environmentally harmful. These systems contribute to vessel/port emissions, increase operational costs, and are subject to tightening UK and international regulations, including the phasedown of high-GWP refrigerants and the integration of shipping into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme by 2026\. As the maritime sector transitions toward net-zero operations, there is a growing need for low-emission, energy-efficient alternatives to conventional marine refrigeration systems.

This project will demonstrate Botanic Energy's solid-state cooling system, integrated into a refrigerated container, with novel insultations for environmental loss management. The system eliminates the need for refrigerants and significantly reduces energy use. Botanic's patented thermoelectric matrix enables precise thermal control with no moving parts and minimal maintenance. Paired with advanced insulation linings developed for the container fabric, the solution maximises internal temperature stability while reducing the system's external energy demands. It is ideally suited for integration into low or zero-emission maritime environments.

Our project will deliver a refrigerated container demonstrator on a standard Maersk container platform, Botanic Energy will lead the design and system integration, Oxford University conducting performance modelling, simulation, and lab-based testing of materials and subsystem behaviours. Cambridge Refrigeration Technology (CRT) will carry out independent testing, including controlled environmental testing and certification support. GSS Avionics will support for electronic control and system integration.

Trial outputs will include providing performance metrics and data, prove technical feasibility, and assess operational impact. The absence of refrigerants and compressor-based systems enables a low-maintenance, scalable product that aligns with clean maritime goals. The project is designed to meet the aims of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 6 by providing a deployable zero-emission cooling solution for temperature-controlled logistics.

Maersk's involvement provides a direct route to future deployment, positioning the technology for early adoption across the global cold chain. The project will support commercial readiness, providing a demonstration system as a platform for engagement with vessel operators, ports and logistics providers. The combination of solid-state cooling and novel insulation presents a new pathway to reduce emissions and energy use in maritime refrigeration, with clear potential for impact across zero-emission shipping operations.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>