Blue refrigerated container: RAL 5010, reefer for non-food construction site use
The blue RAL 5010 reefer is the economical option for a refrigerated container: original colour from ex-Maersk Reefer or CMA CGM Reefer, no extra cost for painting. Ideal for non-food cold storage (construction site, flowers, temperature-controlled chemicals), where the white 'hygiene' signal is not required. Savings of ~£600 compared to a white reefer.
Price for 2026 and paint options
The blue RAL 5010 reefer is the economical option for a refrigerated container: original colour from ex-Maersk Reefer or CMA CGM Reefer, no extra cost for painting. Ideal for non-food cold storage (construction site, flowers, temperature-controlled chemicals), where the white 'hygiene' signal is not required. Savings of ~£600 compared to a white reefer.
| Condition / Option | Price Excl. VAT | For what use |
|---|---|---|
| Used blue original 20' reefer | £5,500 – £9,000 | Non-food construction site, wholesale florists |
| Used blue refrigerated container 40' | 8 000 € – 13 000 € | Chemical industry temperature-controlled, cosmetics |
| Brand new blue RAL 5010 refrigerated container | 16 000 € – 25 000 € | Long-term construction site, industrial operation |
Excluding delivery and three-phase connection 415V (BS 7671). Original blue ex-Maersk Reefer used = perfect for non-food use.
RAL Code
RAL 5010
For whom?
Large construction sites (storage of temperature-sensitive materials: paints, resins), wholesale florists, cosmetic production, temperature-controlled chemical industries (+2 °C to +12 °C). The original blue reefer avoids the extra cost of white paint (~£600) without affecting refrigeration function.
Key points
- RAL 5010 = original colour from ex-Maersk Reefer / CMA CGM Reefer
- No additional painting costs compared to a white reefer — savings of ~£600
- Refrigeration function identical to the white reefer (Carrier/Thermo King unit)
- Not validated for HACCP 'hygiene' use: non-food use only
- Temperature range -25 °C to +25 °C (same as a white reefer)
The colour in detail
Look & origin
RAL 5010 blue is the factory livery of most shipping containers (Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd): a deep, slightly greyed blue, applied as two-pack polyurethane paint straight onto the Corten steel at the factory. On a used container, it is the colour you will most often find with no repaint at all.
Upkeep & durability
Built for the marine environment, this blue is UV-stabilised and holds for 12 to 15 years before any visible fading. A roller touch-up (anti-rust primer + RAL 5010 polyurethane) is enough to refresh exposed areas, and because it is a standard shade the match stays easy and cheap.
Uses & planning rules
Ideal wherever the industrial look is an asset: storage, site cabins, tiny houses and unapologetic conversions. It is also the cheapest option, with no paint surcharge. No specific planning constraint, but in a residential area cladding is still recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the blue reefer be validated HACCP later?+
Yes, conversion possible: HACCP pro cleaning + interior RAL 9016 white paint + sanitary certificate = ~1 500-2 200 € upgrade. Often cheaper than buying a brand new white reefer directly. Local Environmental Health Officer validation required (veterinary services).
Does the original blue mean that the refrigeration unit is worn out?+
No, independent. Exterior colour ≠condition of Carrier/Thermo King unit. Check: age (<10 years), hours of operation (<40 000 h), -18 °C load test for 24 h (stable kWh consumption). No direct link to exterior colour.
How much does the HACCP interior paint cost extra?+
Interior RAL 9016 white paint + sanitary certificate: 800-1 200 € additional for converting a blue reefer to food use. Includes high-pressure steam cleaning, alkaline disinfection, two coats of HACCP polyurethane paint. One-week turnaround in specialised workshop.
Does the blue reefer consume more electricity?+
Slightly: blue absorbs ~5% more solar radiation than white, which is about ~3-5% extra kWh consumption in full Mediterranean sun. In continental or overcast climates, negligible difference. Over 10 years at €1,500/year for electricity, the additional cost is around €750 compared to a white reefer.
Is RAL 5010 blue subject to planning rules?+
Original blue is not banned, but in a residential or protected area (near a listed monument, strict local plan) the council may require an integration colour or cladding. Check the local plan before installing: prior notice of works is required from 5 m² of ground footprint.
Does blue heat up a lot in the sun?+
It is a mid-range shade: cooler than black or dark red, warmer than white. For storage the difference is negligible. For habitable use, internal insulation is essential whatever the colour.
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