MSC continues its investment in smart containers
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is the world’s 2nd largest container carrier accounting for 14.4% of the global container trade, operating around 513 ships and over 3.2 million TEUs across the globe..
Traxens is a tech company that provides customers with an Internet-connected device which when fitted to normal ISO containers, converts it from “just a container” to a “smart container“..
These two companies are partnering to provide the industry with Smart Containers..
What are smart containers and what does it do..??
Smart Containers transmit timely, precise and diverse data on the position and condition of your cargo.. Wherever in the world your containerised cargo is, you can have 24/7 visibility, you can get notifications and alerts on key events enroute, you can have dashboards that give you an up-to-date overview..
Traxens Smart Container Solution consists of three main elements :
- TRAXENS-BOX: a device which is permanently attached to a container to capture and transmit data on position and condition
- TRAXENS-NET: a purpose designed mesh radio network for an optimal performance/power consumption ratio for the unique container environment
- TRAXENS-HUB: a cloud based platform which gathers data from TRAXENS-BOXes before processing and delivering it to the right people at the right time.
Now MSC has teamed up with Traxens to equip 50,000 of its dry cargo containers with this technology to track their boxes..
In a press release, MSC said
MSC’s partnership with TRAXENS will enhance supply chain management for shippers through unprecedented visibility of dry cargo flow from door-to-door, adding efficiency, safety and predictability.
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, a global leader in container shipping and logistics, is increasingly introducing smart container solutions for customers at many locations around the world, using IoT solutions developed by its partner TRAXENS.
MSC is committed to equipping 50,000 dry cargo containers in the coming months to meet the growing demand from shippers for TRAXENS solutions.
TRAXENS provides shippers with an Internet-connected device to permanently fix on dry cargo containers. This transforms the container into a smart, connected object which collects and communicates real-time data on its position and movements throughout its journey. Other factors which help to keep cargo secure include: temperature, humidity level, shocks and vibrations, door opening and closing.
Lack of real-time, end-to-end visibility is a major issue in today’s global supply chains and until today, no importers or exporters could say they had total visibility over the whole trip.
The use of digital technologies like smart containers will bring substantial gains in efficiency, service, security and safety along the entire supply chain. It will also help manage delays and other problems along the supply chain where historically chasing information has been time-consuming and expensive.
“MSC believes that the real-time tracking of containers is the future of the shipping industry,” said Diego Aponte, President and CEO of MSC Group. “While shipping lines should of course compete on service, we will achieve better results for our customers by working in a more harmonised way on technology and innovation. Smart containers are a perfect example of where we can cooperate according to industry standards to make our services truly comprehensive and TRAXENS is the top innovator in this area.”
In due course, TRAXENS solutions are also expected to facilitate easier and quicker pre-customs clearance for shippers.
Hello Susan, here is the response from Traxens
@traxens solution continues to monitor the position and condition of a smart container at all time. Our solution can effectively detect if a smart container deviates from its planned route for potential smuggling or trafficking.
Hope that answers your question..
I have some doubts from the security side , is the the device well protected from any threat of external user, like piracy and similar attack? do you think that this seems economically viable to Africa mostly sub Sahara?
Hi Amdetsion, as I understand, the device is on the inside of the container and if the container is opened during its voyage, it will alert the command centre.. Regarding the economic viability, there is no cost to the client as the line is not charging anyone for this..
it is a leap to the sector customers usually suffer from to track and
trace their container in transit.
Will be awesome if the device can track movement as well as all the other fancies mentioned. You’ll know if your cargo has become undone / loose during transport. And perhaps pick up human trafficking.
Hi Susan, good question for Traxens to advise.. 🙂
This is an absolute innovation but my concern is cyber space it is not always dependable as it can malfunction or incur glitches overtime. Are the any contingencies in place for in case these instances occur? I also hope this will annihilate EDI/communication fees that Freight Forwarders/Brokers impose on freight forwarding costs.
What are the piracy protection measures in this technology?
Hi Joseph, the technology can reportedly provide alerts on unauthorized opens and also alerts in case of heavy shocks and vibrations (maybe banging of the container etc)..
Smart containers in my opinion is a great innovation. The challenge however is the cost benefit to industry stakeholders. That not withstanding, It has in broader view, great positives especially in the area of cargo insurance and claims.
Once it becomes mainstream the benefits may outweigh cost considerations, but as I remarked previously, it remains to be seen if the line(s) will provide this service as a value added service or as a paid service..
How much it costs compared to normal container?
Hi Shahid, have asked @traxens for a response to this question, but I don’t think they have any retail pricing on this yet.. 🙂
Educative and informative.
expecting more of Articles like this
Thanks Oyee.. There are several such topics of interest here – https://www.shippingandfreightresource.com/topics-2/..
This will be brilliant! It will add to pre-warning of delays, unauthorized opens and in case of heavy shocks and vibrations, can make ou aware of possible damages and allows you to open the container carefully upon receipt.
Yes Marisa, that is the idea..
Dear Sir,
I believe smart containers are useful specially cntrs stuffed with Dry Food stuffs for more visibility and accuracy of cargo. Nowadays Ocean Freight levels are down and Shpr/Cnee/FFW negotiate Freight rate to pull down the cost.
I have few questions to clarify.
What will be the additional charges for the Smart containers.
Our shipping industry planned to fix on all cntrs or those who need this type of service have to pay MLO.
Thanks & Regards
ANCIL JOSE DSILVA
Hi Ancil, yes this will have to be a decision made by the container operator.. Whether they are going to provide this as a value added service to the customer or they are going to charge for this service..
Very educative and the contents well espoused.
Thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed it.. 🙂