Image credit: Hapag Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd, a global shipping giant, achieved a significant milestone as Dr Volker Wissing, Germany’s Minister for Digital and Transport, personally installed the 700,000th tracking device at the company’s headquarters in Hamburg. This event marks a crucial step in Hapag-Lloyd’s ambitious journey to establish the world’s largest smart container fleet.
Dr Wissing expressed his enthusiasm about the role of digitalization in transforming the transport industry, citing Hapag-Lloyd’s progress as a testament to the opportunities it presents. He emphasized that the development not only benefits the shipping sector but also bolsters Germany’s position as an innovative hub, aligning with the vision of a more connected and efficient transport sector.
Rolf Habben Jansen, the CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are proud to be at the forefront of the digitalization of container shipping. Our ‘Smart Container Fleet’ project is about transforming the industry and setting new standards for supply-chain transparency and customer service.”
Setting New Standards: 1.6 Million Containers to Go Smart by 2024
Hapag-Lloyd is poised to become the sole shipping line globally with a fully digital container fleet. The company aims to equip its extensive container fleet, comprising 1.6 million dry and reefer containers, with real-time tracking devices. This ambitious goal is a significant stride towards enhancing supply chain visibility and customer service standards.
The integration of real-time tracking technology on standard dry containers is a game-changer for the industry. The permanent installation of solar battery-powered tracking devices with internal sensors and GPS technology ensures constant data transmission through the cell network. These devices, designed to be explosion-proof according to industry standards, prioritize safety for crews, cargo, and vessels by recording shock events and ambient temperature.
By early 2024, the majority of Hapag-Lloyd’s container fleet is expected to be equipped with smart technology, marking a transformative moment for the industry. Concurrently, Hapag-Lloyd plans to unveil a commercial product named “Live Position,” aligning with the company’s commitment to setting unprecedented standards for supply chain transparency.
Industry Transformation and Enhanced Visibility
The move towards a fully digital container fleet represents a paradigm shift in the shipping industry. The integration of smart technology not only addresses the crucial question of “Where is my container now?” but also signifies a commitment to proactive and transparent supply chain management.
As the shipping giant propels itself towards digital transformation, industry stakeholders anticipate a ripple effect. Hapag-Lloyd’s initiative is expected to influence operational standards and redefine customer expectations across the logistics and maritime sectors. The emphasis on safety, efficiency, and transparency positions Hapag-Lloyd as a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of smart containerization.
In the words of CEO Rolf Habben Jansen, Hapag-Lloyd is not merely adopting digitalization; it is shaping the future of container shipping, ushering in an era of unparalleled connectivity and transparency.
