LIFEGUARD® 480X Reefer Power System | Wellington Port, New Zealand

Project Overview

In late 2025, Centreport announced a major expansion of its reefer container operations, driven by the introduction of the MSC Eagle Service connecting New Zealand to the Americas.

With weekly vessel calls beginning February 2026, the port needed to rapidly scale its refrigerated container (reefer) capacity—adding 480 new reefer power outlets within just four months.

This required a high-performance, scalable, and safe power distribution system capable of supporting stacked container infrastructure in a demanding port environment.

The Challenge

The project presented several critical challenges:

• Tight timeframe: Only 4 months to design, manufacture, and deliver
• Scale: Expansion to support 480 additional reefer containers
• Infrastructure complexity: Custom steel towers stacking containers 4 high
• Power demand: Reliable, high-capacity electrical distribution across 10 towers
• Operational safety: Ensuring safe, ergonomic use for port workers
• Future-proofing: Integration with Centreport’s network for monitoring and control

To meet these demands, Centreport required a bespoke reefer power system—not an off-the-shelf solution.

The Solution

Jackson Industries partnered closely with Centreport to deliver a fully customised LIFEGUARD® Reefer Power System, designed specifically for this expansion.

Drawing on over a decade of experience working together, the solution refined previous systems while introducing new, forward-thinking features.

System Design & Architecture

Each of the 10 steel reefer towers was independently powered by:

• 3 × 250A three-phase supplies per tower
• 3 × LIFEGUARD83 Main Supply Boards per tower
• 16 × LIFEGUARD35 Satellite Distribution Boards per tower into each level of said tower
• 1 × additional LIFEGUARD83 enclosure for communications and network integration

All equipment—including interconnection cabling and lighting—was custom manufactured, QA tested, and pre-configured into tower-based assemblies to streamline installation.

Key Features & Benefits

Safety First

• Individual RCD protection per reefer socket
• Integrated isolators for safe connection and disconnection
• LED power indication lights for clear visibility of live circuits

Built for Real-World Use

• Ergonomically positioned sockets based on direct input from port operators
• Designed for harsh marine and industrial environments
• Robust construction to withstand long-term operational demands

Fast, Efficient Installation

• Pre-assembled “tower” systems reduced on-site complexity
• Simplified install process to meet strict project deadlines
• Minimal disruption to ongoing port operations

Smart & Future-Ready

• Integrated communications enclosure for network connectivity
• Enables monitoring and control of reefer equipment
• Standardised design allows easy maintenance and spare part management

The Outcome

The LIFEGUARD® Reefer Power System was delivered on time and to specification, ensuring Centreport was fully operational for the first MSC Eagle vessel arrival in February 2026.

Delivered System:

• 40 × LIFEGUARD83 units
• 160 × LIFEGUARD35 reefer distribution boards
• 160 × pre-configured interconnection leads

Project Results

• ✔ Rapid deployment within a 4-month window
• ✔ Seamless installation across all 10 towers
• ✔ Increased reefer capacity by 480 connections
• ✔ Enhanced safety and usability for port operators
• ✔ Future-ready infrastructure with monitoring capability

Why LIFEGUARD® for Reefer Power?

This project highlights the strength of the LIFEGUARD® system in delivering:

• – Custom-built power distribution solutions
• – High-capacity, scalable infrastructure
• – Industry-leading safety features
• – Proven performance in demanding environments

From design through to delivery, the focus remains the same: safe, reliable, and fit-for-purpose power—built to last.

Looking to Expand Your Reefer Capacity?

Whether you’re upgrading existing infrastructure or planning a large-scale port expansion, Jackson Industries can design a tailored LIFEGUARD® solution to suit your needs.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your next project.