SUMMARY
Smart containers are shipping containers used in freight and logistics that are integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, sensors, GPS tracking and solar panels. The containers are designed to regulate the internal conditions (e.g. temperature), provide real time GPS tracking, enhance security, and provide condition information that can alert operators to any potential issues with the cargo. The information gathered is automatically fed into digital shipment records, which can be shared with the customer to provide up to date tracking and can be used to better predict arrival times at ports to enable optimized unloading of containers and distribution to the next phase of the supply chain. Smart shipping containers can be self-powered by solar panels on their exterior and have batteries to enable energy to be stored.
Traditional means of tracking the progress of shipping containers are heavily manual and unreliable. Information provided is consistently outdated, which makes it difficult to accurately predict the containers arrival time at the port. This can lead to congestion at the port and delays in unloading the cargo for the next stage in the supply chain. The data collection process is very costly, prone to error, incomplete and can be fraudulent. Smart Containers can relay the data automatically and in real-time during transportation and provide accurate information that enables port operators to better plan their facilities for incoming shipments, storage and onward distribution.
Supply chain requirements have changed in recent years. Today, to satisfy higher demands, better track the movement of cargo and respond to issues, supply chain stakeholders are focussing more on the ways to improve the visibility, quality and security of their containers. The IoT technology inherent in Smart Containers can provide accurate real-time data about the condition, location and the environment directly to the operators. While refrigerated containers have existed for some time, they were limited in that they only allowed operators to set temperature conditions inside containers at the start of transport, to maintain the quality of perishable goods (such as food or medication). Smart Containers improve upon this technology. Operators can track, remotely control and adjust the internal conditions as required. This enables the temperature to be adjusted in response to fluctuations in the container’s external environment, which may vary dramatically during its transportation. The data collected can be used to demonstrate the goods have remained within regulated temperature thresholds throughout their journey. They can also detect movements nearby and enable burglary prevention systems.
Another issue related to traditional shipping container operations occurs when they arrive and are unloaded at ports. Containers can be left on docks or delivered to the wrong port; these problems are usually discovered months after the occurrence. Smart Containers can solve this problem by providing real-time information to the authorities to enable rapid issue detection.
Autonomous Shipping Ports (see also the Autonomous Shipping Ports Use Case) and Autonomous Shipping Vessels are also developing in many countries. With these additional developments, in the near future, Smart Containers will be able to communicate directly with the autonomous systems on ships and at ports. This will result in streamlined, error-free and efficient operations from start to finish.
VALUE CREATED
Improving efficiency and reducing costs:
- Reduce the time required to gather data on the location and condition of containers by implementing an autonomous system that provides automatic updates.
- Enhance productivity and reduce the cost associated with lost or damaged cargo by ensuring optimized operations and reducing the probability that containers will be damaged or lost.
- Minimise the cost related to wastage by extending container’s life with technologies and reducing theft and spoilage of goods by utilizing temperature control and anti-theft functionalities.
Enhancing economic, social and environmental value:
- Enhance safety and security of cargo and improve customer service by tracking the container’s location and condition information and providing real time data enabling better optimization of the entire supply chain.
POLICY TOOLS AND LEVERS
Legislation and regulation: Government and industry must develop standards for Smart Containers such as testing equipment to ensure the quality of the goods, effective technologies and safe operation of the Smart Containers.
Transition of workforce capabilities: Several capabilities in areas such as technical engineering, software engineering and system integration are required across the production, management and maintenance of the Smart Containers. While the production of the containers would be outsourced, the management and maintenance of the containers could be achieved in-house and would therefore require the upskilling of staff to meet this need.
RISKS AND MITIGATIONS
Implementation risk
Risk: Containers are made of steel and usually stacked several deep on shipping vessels. This can interrupt communication between the container and the operator, which can make the data inaccurate or lost.
Mitigation: The quality of the data transmission depends on the communication network. The network may need to be upgraded to improve coverage to ensure data can always be transmitted.
Social risk
Risk: The implementation of Smart Containers may result in redundancies for existing employees. Since Smart Containers can obtain real-time data automatically while at sea, the traditional manual work is eliminated. This could have consequences for the company such as negative press and impact to the brand’s reputation.
Mitigation: With the new technologies installed, the work on shipping vessels will become more technical. There is an opportunity to upskill employees to meet this need. Companies should also develop a strategy to deal with human resources changes any potential media response.
Safety and (Cyber)security risk
Risk: Smart Containers generate data and communicate with authorities through a satellite-based or internet-based system. Therefore, there is a risk that data collected could be hacked or altered due to cybercrime.
Mitigation: Institutions should ensure their systems are robust to mitigate the risk of cybersecurity breaches. Furthermore, governments should set legislative frameworks to outline the requirements of these systems to repel cybersecurity attacks and protect data.
EXAMPLES
Example: Silk Road
Implementation: CIMC develops and deploys technologies integration into the company’s container.
Cost: Technologies allow connectivity for individual containers easier and at lower cost.
Timeframe: In early 2018, the first smart shipping container was transported by truck, train and ship along the Silk Road.
Example: Port of Rotterdam Pilot
Implementation: A smart container (container 42) has left the port of Rotterdam on a two-year multi modal journey.
Cost: Pilot investment to assess the efficiency over a short and mid-term of the IoT used in different modes and weather conditions.
Timeframe: The container goes on a two-year journey to collect data about its condition during transport and measure the conditions and environment inside and around the container.
Example: Mediterranean Shipping Co.
Implementation: The company has committed to 50,000 smart containers by 2020.
Cost: The high volume of containers will enable a lower cost of investment while savings through operations will also likely offset them.
Timeframe: The company aims to integrate 30% of its containers with IoT technology by 2015.
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