Shipping green bananas from Vietnam: temperature, green-life and transit
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Short answer. Green Cavendish bananas travel at 13–14 °C and 90–95 % relative humidity. In a normal reefer the green-life is 2–4 weeks at 14 °C; in a controlled-atmosphere (CA) container it is 4–6 weeks, which we recommend for routes over 20 days. Below 13 °C the fruit suffers chilling injury.
Which reefer settings do we use?
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Set point | 13–14 °C (13.5–14 °C in practice); never below 13 °C |
| Relative humidity | 90–95 % |
| Fresh air | 10–60 m³/h, usually 25–40 |
| Dehumidification | Off |
| Ethylene in the cold room | Below 1 ppm |
| Pre-cooling | Within 10–12 hours after cutting; pulp at 13–14 °C before stuffing |
Fruit never waits overnight for a container.
How long is the voyage from Cat Lai?
| Port | Days at sea (indicative) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 2–3 | Direct, several sailings per week |
| Port Klang, Malaysia | 3–5 | Direct; harvest stage 2 possible |
| Busan, South Korea | 8 | |
| Tokyo, Japan | 8 | |
| Jebel Ali, UAE | 13–18 | Via transhipment |
| Dammam, Saudi Arabia | 16–20 | |
| Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | 18–22 |
Routing and schedule are confirmed with the quotation.
Normal reefer or CA container?
Compare the voyage with the green-life. A normal reefer gives 2–4 weeks at 14 °C. A CA container gives 4–6 weeks, and we recommend it for any route over 20 days: Jeddah, at 18–22 days, sits on that line. For long voyages in a normal reefer, a modified-atmosphere bag (Banavac type) is available at extra cost.
At which stage is the fruit cut?
Harvest stage 1 for voyages over 14 days (Middle East, EU) and stage 2 for 14 days or less (Malaysia, China). All fruit ships at colour stage 1, all green.
How is the fruit ripened on arrival?
With 100–150 ppm ethylene for 24–48 hours at 15–20 °C, 90–95 % relative humidity and CO₂ below 1 %. The fruit reaches colour stage 6–7 in 4–8 days. A ripening sheet comes with every first shipment.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the container runs below 13 °C?
The fruit suffers chilling injury, so the set point is never lower.
How long from order to sailing?
About 10–14 days from deposit to vessel departure, subject to the vessel schedule and farm availability.
Grades are in Cavendish banana grades, and packing in banana cartons and container loading. The full specification is on the Cavendish banana product page; for a price, use the banana quotation form.
Last reviewed 12 November 2026 by VIET FARM EXPORT COMPANY LIMITED, Ho Chi Minh City. Figures come from our banana specification; they are indicative and confirmed with each quotation.