What Are Smart Containers?
Smart containers are conventional shipping containers. They rely on Internet of Things (IoT) technology to provide real-time information to interested parties for decision-making.
What Are the Components of Smart Containers?
- Sensors and tracking devices for the container.
- Communication Tools.
- Data Analytics Systems.
What Information Do Smart Containers Provide?
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Location: GPS tracking to accurately determine the container's position throughout its journey.
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Environmental Conditions: This involves measuring temperature, humidity, pressure, or other factors affecting the cargo's safety. It is particularly useful for transporting perishable goods.
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Security: detecting unusual movements or unauthorized access, enhancing the container's security.
How Smart Containers Work to Provide This Information:
Internet of Things (IoT): Smart containers operate by installing self-powered sensors or IoT gateways. These gateways collect data and send it to a cloud-based platform, which provides accurate information to stakeholders and helps them make informed decisions.
Benefits of Smart Containers:
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Cargo tracking: provides the ability to monitor the condition and location of containers in real-time and directly.
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Data analytics: helps save time and costs by accurately predicting when containers will reach their destinations.
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Maintenance: Early detection of temperature fluctuations helps avoid shipment damage.
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Security: Enhances security by preventing theft and ensuring compliance with agreed-upon regulatory standards.
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Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA): Using smart containers allows for an accurate ETA, which aids in managing other operations that occur when the shipment arrives at the port.
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Competitive Advantage: Smart containers offer valuable information that helps optimize and organize logistics operations.
What are the main challenges in preventing the widespread adoption of smart containers?
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Cost: Implementing smart containers may require a significant initial investment, including installing sensors, connectivity infrastructure, and data analytics systems.
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Security and Data Protection: Ensuring data privacy and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information is crucial for maintaining the integrity of smart container systems.
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Integration without Disruptions: Integrating smart containers with existing logistics infrastructure requires careful planning and coordination to avoid disruptions or malfunctions.
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Availability of Smart Ports: With the growing use of smart ports, integrating smart containers and smart ports has become increasingly influential. This seamless connection between shipments and port infrastructure facilitates cargo tracking and links it with customs systems, ports, and industrial zones.
Using smart containers by shipping lines
Maersk was among the first companies to adopt smart containers as an essential part of its logistics operations. The company equipped its fleet with more than 270,000 refrigerated containers (reefers) featuring Remote Container Management (RCM) technology, which helped
improve the supply chain and increase the efficiency of logistics operations. This technology allows Maersk to monitor containers in real-time during transportation, protecting perishable goods and providing customers with comprehensive visibility of their shipments.
In 2023, Maersk continued to expand its fleet by ordering 14,800 new smart reefers, all equipped with RCM technology, to meet the growing customer demand for precise monitoring of their sensitive shipments during transport. Adding to the 30,000 reefers acquired in 2015, the investments lower the average age of Maersk Line’s reefer fleet to 7.9 years. This is significantly below the industry average of 12 years, as recently reported by Drewry.
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