Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said it will equip 50,000 dry cargo containers in the coming months with “smart container” technology created by TRAXENS.
“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 harmonized 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.”
Other major users of TRAXENS equipment include CMA CGM and SNCF, France’s state-owned railway.
In 2016, TRAXENS said that MSC had joined CMA CGM as a "backer." MSC said it has deployed TRAXEN-equipped containers on dry containers on a variety of routes for some of its largest global shipper clients, but that the plan to add 50,000 containers was a major step-up in deployment of smart containers to meet growing demand from shippers..
Traxens said it expects to have 100,000 “smart containers” deployed by the end of 2019.
MSC said use of the TRAXENS equipment will enhance supply chain management for shippers by providing better visibility cargo from door to door, adding efficiency, safety and predictability.
TRAXENS said it “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.”
TRAXENS also said it believes its products will “in due course ... facilitate easier and quicker pre-customs clearance for shippers.”