The world’s largest container line is to launch a unique reefer container performance data system, to target ‘premium perishables’ and pharma customers that need greater visibility on shipment status.

Maersk Line expects its new remote container tracking system to boost its market share of cargo requiring constant temperature control, when it begins making advanced monitoring data available to customers from the third quarter of this year.

Last year, the Danish box giant launched its new ‘Remote Container Management’ system, which enables the in-box monitoring and management of changes in conditions critical to the safe shipment of perishable commodities.

RCM has now been rolled out across Maersk’s global fleet of 350,000 reefer containers, but so far box data transmitted by the system has only been made available internally. Perishable and pharma customers would soon have far greater shipment transparency, improving cargo care and easing customer concerns about cargo integrity while also giving Maersk a valuable lead over rivals in premium perishables markets.

“In Q3 we will offer our customers full access to reefer performance data by providing a unique cold chain transparency,” he said. “It’s not just GPS technology, but technology that allows you to see what happens inside the container. I think we are so far the first carrier that actually has that type of technology available and ready to deploy now. They will have a complete view of the conditions of their cargo, giving them and Maersk Line increased ability to act in case something goes wrong. It will help us jointly create a plan B and reduce unnecessary costs.”

Source: Lloyds List