The global trade industry underwent fundamental change 60 years ago through Malcolm McLean’s introduction of shipping containers that operated across ocean routes. With smart containers that offer real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities, Maersk has advanced this breakthrough today. These digitally-enabled shipping containers represent the next evolution in maritime logistics, offering unprecedented visibility into supply chains.
In this blog, we explore how Maersk’s smart container technology works and the benefits it brings to modern shipping operations.
I. The Evolution of Container Technology
Since the Ideal X’s inaugural voyage in 1956, container transportation has advanced significantly. The standardized shipping container changed global trade forever, but the basic technology remained relatively unchanged for decades.
When Maersk entered the containerized market in 1973, it recognized early that “We didn’t have to choose the containers; the market had chosen them for us.” This pragmatic approach would later drive their technological innovation in container tracking.
II. How Maersk’s Smart Containers Work
Maersk’s smart container technology builds on the foundations of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity to provide unprecedented visibility.
Back in 2012, Maersk partnered with Ericsson to develop a comprehensive fleet diagnostics system. Today, this has evolved into their Remote Container Management (RCM) system with three essential components:
- A 3G SIM card capable of operating at high temperatures
- An antenna system for reliable data transmission to the cloud
- A GPS unit for accurate real-time location tracking
Maersk Tracking currently operates approximately 300,000 “smart” containers that continuously transmit vital data, including location, power supply status, and internal temperature, to their cloud systems for real-time analysis.
III. Key Benefits of Live Data Updates
The implementation of smart containers with live data updates creates multiple advantages across the supply chain.
Real-time tracking solutions eliminate the longstanding uncertainty that plagues traditional shipping logistics processes. Refrigerated smart containers from Maersk use active monitoring systems to control internal temperatures which protects perishable goods through reduced waste while sustaining the stability of medical supplies.
Other notable benefits include:
- Reduced manual inspection requirements, improving labour utilization at ports
- Lower CO2 emissions due to optimized container operations
- Better turn times from loading to unloading
- Enhanced decision-making capabilities through access to real-time data
IV. Integrating Maersk Tracking with Your Supply Chain
Implementing Maersk’s container tracking capabilities within existing supply chain systems has become increasingly streamlined.
In 2020, Maersk Line went live with digital, fully automated distribution of its contract rates through CargoSphere, creating a more integrated digital ecosystem. This complements their IoT container tracking to provide end-to-end visibility.
For businesses looking to leverage Maersk Tracking capabilities:
- Identify which shipments would benefit most from real-time monitoring
- Determine how tracking data will integrate with existing systems
- Explore supply chain visibility solutions that complement container tracking
V. Conclusion
The smart containers developed by Maersk enable live data updates that extend unprecedented visibility across global supply chains. Maersk has integrated IoT capabilities into standard shipping containers to create a solution that gives supply chain managers worldwide both enhanced operational effectiveness and useful data insights and reduced waste across their networks.