Hapag Lloyd will use internet of things (IoT) to track and monitor its marine containers through its logistics chain
It has turned to Orbcomm to provide purpose-built and certified IoT devices transmitting data at regular intervals of the position of these containers. This information can then be shared with Hapag-Lloyd customers to provide greater end-to-end visibility along the supply chain.
These devices have solar power, a lengthy battery life with intelligent power management and transponders for submitting data. Communications use Orbcomm’s Global SIM within coverage of long-term evolution (LTE) or 4G networks and can use a wide range of wireless sensors using Bluetooth technologies.
The containers’ real-time location and status is transmitted over a cellular connection to the Hapag-Lloyd Live platform.
“It is our vision to build the world’s smartest container fleet and to provide valuable information to our customers at the frequency they need,” said Hapag-Lloyd director of container applications Olaf Habert.
“Orbcomm’s advanced dry container solution offers the features and functionality we need to seamlessly manage our dry containers, while ensuring we improve the efficiency, safety, profitability and customer service levels throughout our complex global supply chains,” Mr Habert added.
Orbcomm’s IoT devices are certified to the ATEX Zone 2 explosion-proof standard, ensuring safety for vessel crews and cargo.
“Hapag-Lloyd is a leader and innovator in the global shipping industry for choosing IoT solutions to digitalise their supply chains and achieve measurable bottom-line benefits,” said Orbcomm.
“Hapag-Lloyd will execute the industry’s largest dry container tracking deployment to date.”
Hapag-Lloyd operates a fleet of 257 container ships with a total transport capacity of 1.8M TEU. It has 13,900 employees and 418 offices in 137 countries. It runs 129 liner services worldwide with connections between more than 600 ports on all the continents and is one of the largest transporters of reefer containers.
