Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • News
  • Features
  • Knowledge Library
  • Columns
  • Customs
  • Jobs
  • Directory
  • FX Rates
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send us news
    • Editorial Guidelines

Pauline Kumlehn

Sea Freight
Technology

Why industry should be considering smart tracking devices

13 Nov 2018 - by Pauline Kumlehn
0 Comments

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

With over 130 million containers packed with various types of cargoes shipped around the world annually, the process of shipment of hazardous cargo remains an integral part of global trade.

The recent decision of the New York District court in the case of the MSC FLAMINIA has highlighted yet again the importance of the proper declaration, handling and stowage of dangerous cargo (and no doubt to those involved how expensive the exercise of litigation can be!).

Local online publication Africa Ports & Ships has reported that MSC has decided to introduce a smart tracking device to 50 000 of its dry cargo containers. The introduction of the smart technology is reported to transform the container into a “smart, connected object which collects and communicates real-time data on its position and movements throughout its journey”.  Pertinent to the MSC FLAMINIA disaster, the device is said to assist in keeping the cargo secure by providing all interested parties with real time data as to a cargo’s temperature, humidity level, exposure to shocks and vibrations, as well as door opening and closing. 

It is further anticipated that the technology afforded by such smart devices (which has been developed by MSC’s partner, TRAXENS) will also in due course facilitate easier and quicker pre-customs clearance.

Whilst the device is restricted to dry cargo containers, it does reflect the potential which smart technology can have in detecting and preventing a reoccurrence of the events leading up to the explosion of the cargo of DiVinylBenzene (DVB) on board the MSC FLAMINIA. 

It further illustrates how successful implementation of Industry 4.0 advances can streamline the logistics of moving a container from point A to point B, and in so doing enhance supply chain management for shippers and receivers by improving efficiency, safety and predictability. The CEO of the MSC Group has indicated that he believes that real-time tracking of containers is the future of the shipping industry.  Maersk and IBM’s Tradelens have similarly recognised the advantages to be gained in adopting blockchain technology to improve information and visibility throughout the supply chain.

Whilst there are no doubt cost implications in implementation of such smart technologies, it is hoped that the industry will remain cognisant of the advantages to be gained, which may ultimately render a company not only technologically savvy and ‘smart’, but also financially competitive, and able to avoid, or at the very least minimise, the costly exercise of litigation.

Sign up to our mailing list and get daily news headlines and weekly features directly to your inbox free.
Subscribe to receive print copies of Freight News Features to your door.

SA ports need to get ‘smart’

0 Comments

Devlyn Naidoo

SA ports need to get ‘smart’

0 Comments

Devlyn Naidoo

The great BAF problem

0 Comments

Lars Jensen

Travel key to nailing corrupt officials

0 Comments

Dave Marsh

Rand enjoys a strong finish, despite SARB & Eskom

0 Comments

James Paynter

How transport CO2 reduction pledges fall short

0 Comments

International Transport Forum

IMO 2020 regulation: fuel transparency key for the industry

0 Comments

Katherine Barrios

IMO 2020 low sulphur fuel regulation set to radically increase global BAF costs

0 Comments

Mitchell Brooke

SA transport policy … wanderings in the desert

0 Comments

Nick Porée

Logistics automation and Blockchain: What’s the potential?

0 Comments

Adam Robinson

The African promise: A look into the future of intra-Africa trade

0 Comments

Devlyn Naidoo

“If you want less of something, regulate it ……..”

0 Comments

Nick Porée

  • More

FeatureClick to view

Sea Freight May 2025

Border Beat

The N4 Maputo Corridor crossing – congestion, crime and potholes
12 May 2025
Fuel-crime curbing causes tanker build-up at Moz border
08 May 2025
Border police turn the tide on illegal crossings
29 Apr 2025
More

Featured Jobs

New

Import Manager (NVOCC)

Switch Recruit
Eastrand
15 May
New

Junior Finance Manager (SAICA)

Tiger Recruitment
East Rand
14 May
New

Sales Co-Ordinator

Lee Botti & Associates
Cape Town
14 May
More Jobs
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Freight News RSS
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send us news
  • Contact us