Reefers carry more than food because many goods need a constant temperature during transit. Commercial operators already face a persistent shortage of these ships, and wartime supply movements would increase demand further. Their normal port-to-port pattern, self-sufficiency, and handling gear could allow covert minelaying with uncertain attribution. Second World War demand for fast tankers included hazardous Mediterranean convoy runs where speed helped ships pass through danger quickly. Refrigerated ships were also important assets to secure. A modern reefer's existing power distribution makes containerised equipment easier to connect, although a data-management system would probably still need to be installed. A navy might find that its best conversion candidate is too important to remove from civilian logistics.
Notable Point · 1:04:44-1:09:48
The most useful conversion may be the hardest ship to requisition
Reefers could covertly lay mines and host naval systems, but food and temperature-controlled trade already keep them in exceptional commercial demand.