When in the 1950s, Malcom McLean revolutionized international trade by introducing the intermodal container, most likely no one envisioned the invention becoming “smart” in the future. Once the pioneering method of transporting goods was commercialized, new versions of the container began to appear. Soon enough the reefer, also known as a refrigerated container, was added to the intermodal container fleet.
Designed to provide a temperature controlled environment for the transport of perishable goods, reefers allow us to ship not only fruit and vegetables but also pharmaceuticals, wine or frozen meat. Try to imagine having 270,000 of such containers at your disposal and the need for thorough physical pre-trip inspections (PTI). As every reefer operates using its own integral refrigeration unit and, at times an additional diesel powered generator, this process can be quite a challenge.
Maersk Line, the world’s largest container shipping company decided to tackle this problem using the data recording process. Remote Container Management (RCM), the system enabling this to happen, is rather simple but extremely effective. Through a modem, GPS, wireless SIM card and a satellite link, the company gives the concept of supply chain visibility a new meaning.
The mentioned components are able to collect data on reefer’s position, its atmospheric conditions and power status, while the satellite transmitter installed on the vessels receives them from the modem. Real-time information are further sent to the satellite, which delivers them back to RCM teams placed around the world.
The vast amount of data provided by the RCM, is used to analyze the running conditions of the reefer equipment. Through the continuous process of live monitoring, time and labour consuming PTIs have been reduced by 50%. The risk of not discovering reefer malfunctions in time is now negligible, meaning that the commodities will remain safe and sound. Through the value of information, Maersk Line is able to maintain their reputation as a top tier shipping company.
In fact, Maersk Line already focuses on a more innovative approach on their road to “operational and commercial excellence”. Their desire for the future is to connect individual sensors on ships to monitor the whole fleet’s operational performance, and ultimately integrate entire supply chains. With the current technology progress, I am certain this is possible within a decade. What is your opinion?
Krystian Palczewski 384439
Sources:
https://www.cma-cgm.com/products-services/reefer/containers-fleet
http://www.en.ipu.dk/Indhold/refrigeration-and-energy-technology/cases/2016-04_MaerskRaps.aspx
http://www.maersk.com/en/the-maersk-group/about-us/publications/group-annual-magazine/2015/smart-containers-listen-and-talk
