Most of the world’s orange juice comes from Brazil, so it is no surprise that plenty of logistics are involved in bringing this drink to European consumers. JuiSea Shipping, a collaboration between Trilobes and Refresco, has successfully reduced CO₂ emissions from juice transportation in Europe. A key factor behind the project’s success is RABN, which operates the juice vessel MV Marilie.
Trilobes, a company that provides logistics solutions for liquids, and Refresco, a global beverage solutions provider, wanted to rethink how orange juice could be transported in Europe. This inspired the two companies to form JuiSea Shipping, which operates a regular shipping service from Belgium to the United Kingdom.
Traditionally, juice logistics in Europe have relied heavily on trucks. With this unique initiative, JuiSea Shipping sought to create a more sustainable transportation model for both not-from-concentrate orange juice and juice concentrate.
Shared mindset for reliable shipping
A key part of the operation was finding a vessel that could be converted into a juice carrier. RABN proved to be the perfect partner, as the Finnish shipping company had a suitable vessel and a willingness to develop a completely new concept with JuiSea Shipping.
“We needed a reliable and flexible partner who had a similar mindset as we did and who could commit to a long-term contract,” says Eric van der Zalm, Managing Director at Trilobes and Board Member of JuiSea Shipping. “With RABN, there was an immediate sense that we could build something together.”
RABN’s CEO Antti Partanen is proud to be a part of the unique project.
“We are a part of creating something new, as Marilie is the first coastal juice vessel in Europe. Collaboration with JuiSea Shipping has been easy and natural, as we have a similar solution-oriented mindset.”
Notable emission reductions
At the heart of the initiative is RABN’s MV Marilie, an 88-meter coaster originally built in 1995. Marilie was converted into a juice carrier, and since 2022, she has sailed between Ghent and Portland, UK, approximately 30 times per year.
Converting Marilie into an orange juice carrier was in many ways more practical than building a new vessel.
“Designing and building a new ship is very time-consuming compared to refitting. Marilie’s model was already suitable for our purposes and cargo systems, and together with RABN’s commitment, we now have a vessel that meets all the technical requirements of juice shipping,” van der Zalm notes.
The new shipping route has already proven to meet its goals: By shifting transport from road to RABN’s Marilie, JuiSea Shipping has saved approximately 8 million kilometres of road travel since its launch in 2022. Based on comparisons with previous road-based transport routes, CO₂ emissions have been reduced by approximately 90%. Marilie can also connect to shore power, allowing cargo to be discharged without running diesel generators.
“We have been very satisfied with the sustainability results. As diesel prices continue to rise, solutions that reduce reliance on trucks are also becoming increasingly economically viable,” says Coert Michielsen, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Refresco and Board member of JuiSea Shipping.
RABN’s crew ensures onboard safety
During Marilie’s refitting, cargo tanks, chiller units, a Clean-In-Place cleaning unit, and a nitrogen generator system were installed onboard. Every system must be operational to ensure that food safety is not compromised during transportation.
Captain Einar Kotka has sailed on Marilie for seven years, so he has witnessed firsthand how life on the ship has changed since the refitting.
“Marilie used to carry bulk cargo that did not require constant monitoring from the crew during sailing. With food products, the crew must carefully follow the juice temperature, nitrogen generator system’s pressure levels, and other key measurements. Most of the work is done on computers, but the crew must know how to operate the systems manually as well,” Kotka describes.
To support the smooth operation of the vessel, JuiSea Shipping has worked closely with RABN to ensure that Marilie’s crew is trained to operate the specialised systems.
“After Marilie was converted into a juice carrier, two external experts sailed with us for a while and helped us understand the new systems. During the first year, we had our share of small initial issues, but our current crew is fully experienced in ensuring that the juice quality is not compromised at any stage of the shipping process,” Kotka says.
Crew that makes the difference
Both Michielsen and van der Zalm from JuiSea Shipping have been very satisfied with the crew’s performance.
“We are very happy with Marilie’s crew, as their work is professional, safe, and efficient. Their expertise is beyond routine operations, as they can handle technically demanding conditions,” Michielsen says.
After over 30 years on the sea, Marilie continues to receive praise for its condition and performance.
“A special mention to RABN’s crew should also be given for maintaining the ship so well! Every detail from the paintwork on the hull is in good shape, and the crew has never let us down,” Michielsen notes.
“Indeed, when our partners see the vessel, they often ask if it’s a new ship,” van der Zalm agrees.
Watch on YouTube: Marilie celebrated its 100th voyage in August 2025