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Abstract
The performance of a prototype refrigerated barge-on-ship system and arrival condition of grapefruit were evaluated. No differences were observed between boxes stacked in register or stacked on pallets except significantly more bruising in palletized fruit. Weight loss of the fruit was minimal. Pulp temperatures in both register and pallet stacks reached the optimum transit temperature of 10°C within 72 hours after the refrigeration system began operating. Humidity levels remained constant at 95% once optimum pulp temperatures were reached. Quality of the grapefruit was considered excellent upon arrival. No significant differences in arrival quality of the fruit, except bruising, could be found between shipping the fruit on pallets or stacking in register.