Australian supply chain technology solutions provider WiseTech Global is partnering with Hapag-Lloyd to trial the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology across the German liner’s 2m strong smart container fleet to create real-time global container visibility, tracking and data collection.
Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet of 2m containers have been equipped with IoT devices that frequently transmit location updates directly to WiseTech’s ecosystem of platforms for the logistics, global trade and supply chain industry. This pilot specifically tests the ability to ingest and process millions of data points daily, applying advanced algorithms to transform the IoT data into meaningful milestones and products used to drive decision-making.
WiseTech can then distribute the location and positioning data to Hapag-Loyd’s customers via a range of channels such as the CargoWise Cargo Tracker and Container Automation solutions. More distribution channels are planned, including via GLO, INTTRA and Neo.
Moving beyond standard milestone updates, the collaboration aims to provide accurate, real-time insights on container positioning, transit conditions, and arrival predictions. Hapag-Lloyd’s customers will not only see where a container is, but also detect anomalies such as deviations or delays that might impact its arrival at the next critical handover point.
In addition, Hapag Lloyd delivers the shipping industry’s first dynamic estimated time of arrival (ETA) prediction – called Live ETA – that adjusts in real time based on actual movement and location data collected via IoT pings from GPS tracking devices on the containers, regardless of the mode of transport, to provide dynamic arrival time calculations. For shipments where Hapag-Lloyd manages the entire journey from port to customer location, this tool improves delivery time accuracy by 75% compared to traditional static schedule predictions.
Zubin Appoo, CEO of WiseTech Global, said: “The shipping industry has long relied on discrete and often inaccurate event updates that may lag by hours or even days. By bringing IoT-driven live container data and tracking into CargoWise, we’re revolutionising supply chain visibility.”
Karsten Schmidt, director of live position and track and trace at Hapag-Lloyd, said the partnership represents an important step toward a “more transparent, resilient and digitally enabled global supply chain.”
“This initiative marks a pivotal moment for the industry, as carriers and technology providers work together to bridge the gap between raw IoT data and actionable supply chain intelligence,” WiseTech stated in a release.
For Hapag-Lloyd, part of its marketing for the Gemini Cooperation which it is in with Maersk surrounds reliability and a commitment to get shipments delivered at a far better rate than rivals, something this tech tie-up promises to help deliver on that promise.
