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SeaCube Strengthens Its Cold Chain Position

[ February 25, 2026   //   ]

SeaCube Container Leasing said it is expanding its role in the cold chain market through new leadership appointments, acquisitions and continued investment in refrigerated equipment, positioning itself as an end-to-end solutions provider.

The Montvale, New Jersey-based company said it was the largest global investor in refrigerated intermodal equipment in 2025, despite volatility across broader container markets. While dry container segments faced oversupply and uncertainty, demand for refrigerated units remained steady, supported by shipments of food, pharmaceuticals and other essential goods.

“Volatility is now a constant,” CEO Bob Sappio said in a statement. “Amid shifting trade policy and rising geopolitical risk, the refrigerated cargo market continues to prove durable.”

As part of its growth strategy, SeaCube announced several senior leadership appointments.

Jakob Karstoft, a 15-year veteran of Maersk Line, has joined as chief commercial officer, overseeing global commercial strategy with a focus on customer-driven solutions and sustainable growth.

Ben Thomas was promoted to chief financial officer, succeeding longtime CFO Dave Doorley, who will retire in June. Thomas has been vice president and treasurer since 2019.

James Armstrong was named senior vice president of emerging business, overseeing SeaCube Cold Solutions Inc. and Martin Container LLC. He will lead strategy and operations for the combined platform, including development of portable cold storage offerings across the United States.

Matthew Salmi was appointed vice president of marketing and commercial strategy, responsible for brand, marketing and communications as the company advances what it calls a solutions-focused approach.

SeaCube said a key milestone in its expansion was the acquisition of Martin Container, a nearly 50-year-old family-owned portable cold storage company serving the U.S. West Coast. The integration of Martin’s operations near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach is expected to expand service capacity and improve delivery speed while maintaining local customer relationships.

The company also partnered with The Wonderful Co. to establish a primary Central Valley depot in Shafter, California, supporting storage and maintenance needs across California, Arizona and Nevada.

Through SeaCube Cold Solutions, the company provides portable cold storage units for rent or purchase to food producers, grocers, distributors, agriculture firms, pharmaceutical companies and logistics providers. The offering is designed to help customers manage seasonal demand, reduce spoilage and maintain product quality.

SeaCube said it is also emphasizing sustainability by investing in energy-efficient, electric-powered refrigerated containers and extending equipment lifecycles through refurbishment and redeployment programs, aimed at reducing emissions and waste.

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