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CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE STUDI CONTAINERSANNO XXXVIII - Numero FEBBRAIO 2020

REEFER

BEING SMART WHEN THERE'S A CHILL IN THE AIR

"The latest developments in reefer container monitoring technology are investigated by John Bensalhia"


The reefer container market remains on the upswing - a head of the dry van sector - bolstered by a number of influential factors including increasing demand for fresh imported food, continued penetration of non-container chilled cargo markets, bigger demand from the pharmaceuticals sector, new vessel deliveries featuring a high number of reefer slots and continuing technical innovation.

This growth combined with other considerations such as the pursuit of enhanced cargo safety and quality presents a significant area of challenge to container terminal operators.

A challenge which container reefer system suppliers are keen to confront - as is evidenced in the following review by Port Strategy of recent thinking and innovation in the arena of reefer container monitoring.

"Tracking and monitoring reefers is more important than ever," explains Atul Jain of Refrigerated Transport Electronics (RTE). "Container Terminals have the need to be more efficient and have better control of their reefer operations and are looking for solutions to automate processes like temperature monitoring which, without a system in place, is a manual task, allowing technicians to focus on more important assignments," he says.

"Terminals also need to have traceability of the data and operations and it must be available to their customers, elaborates Jain. "The automated acquisition of data that a reefer monitoring system like RTE's GRASPTM provides makes this possible offering accurate temperature reading with alarms, power consumption measurement, plug / unplug event details as well as other key information available through a simple XML interface."

Al Tama, Vice President and General Manager, Container and Port Solutions, ORBCOMM, says that there has been an increase in the number of RFP / RFQ / RFIs in the container terminal space during the last 12 - 24 months. "The container shipping industry, in general, is shifting toward remote container monitoring, particularly for refrigerated and controlled atmosphere equipment."

"Smart containers are absolutely becoming more common as shipping lines deploy remote telemetry solutions of their own. We estimate some 600,000 'connected containers' are in circulation worldwide today. In some cases, shipping lines are monitoring reefer boxes on the terminal remotely from a central control and command centre. Integrating remote monitoring data into terminal operating systems (TOS) and other terminal IT offers a lot of potential benefit for improved operating efficiency and reduced claims," says Mr Tama.

There are more remote monitoring solutions available to the industry and IoT (Internet of Things) adoption continues to grow. "The cost savings that can be achieved with remote monitoring are significant for all concerned," explains Mr Tama.

"That includes the terminal, the shipping line and inspection and service suppliers. The speed with which exceptions and breakdowns can be managed is greatly increased by realtime remote monitoring technology compared with manual checks every four to six hours (or worse). There are safety benefits also, of course, removing terminal and service personnel from the ground and allowing them to monitor containers from a central office instead.

And automated pretrip inspections (PTIs) using IoT tools are becoming more common, saving considerable time and money." Today's digital platforms also allow data to be shared among multiple parties, including the cargo owner / shipper.

"Of course, who gets to see data is at the owner's discretion, but the technology is there for many different players to tap into a 'single version of the truth' with real-time data that doesn't require manual input or intervention."

Clearly, with reefer containers comes plenty of data for ports to pore over, from temperature levels to risks or hazards. See Captain Peter panel.

Refrigerated Transport Electronics (RTE), McGraw, New York, has launched GrAsPPTM, an Android application which is designed for the Reefer shipping industry.

The GrAsPPTM is compatible with the current ecosystem of RTE products. GrAsPPTM can be used as an interface to RTE's current GRASPTM systems or in conjunction with RTE's new RRCE-BT (Remote Reefer Communication Engine - Blue-tooth) device. A low-cost monitoring device compatible with all the reefer manufacturers, it allows monitoring and tracking when combined with GrAsPPTM while the container is in transit.

This new system allows continuous monitoring and tracking at a reasonable price point. GrAsPPTM, along with RRCE-BT, can provide precise data about temperature, controlled atmosphere variables, location, as well as reefer alarms.

"GrAsPPTM brings Reefer monitoring to your fingertips and is one of our most innovative projects to date." says Derrick Hartnett, Project Manager for RTE.

"GrAsPPTM will give users a flexible approach to monitor containers for their needs," adds Donald Vinson, CEO of RTE, who also believes that GrAsPPTM has the potential to be a sustaining innovation for the industry.

Identec's Reefer Runner is also providing customers with a solution that keeps a fresh eye on reefer containers. The remote monitoring and control system addresses every aspect of linking the container with hardware that then relays the required information to the port operator. The device assesses, processes and communicates data to the user. Furthermore, it's a customised system that can suit each customer in terms of monitoring time, at regular intervals, whether in minutes or hours.

The Reefer Runner can considerably reduce labour levels of up to 30% and reduce installation costs because of its wireless monitoring communication.

Lumel SA's Reefer Container energy monitoring solution works along the same kind of principles. The system includes in-built Wi-Fi and / or GSM modules, depending on the customer's choice. Either of these generates wireless communication which then gives the port operator access to both up to the minute and archived information about the energy levels. For the container, a mobile measuring case is provided, made to protect against unwanted dust and water.

Meanwhile, a comprehensive measuring circuit boasts an ND 40 analyser, current transformers and the required protection devices. For ports, today's high level of technology can encompass a wider spread of port size. "The beauty of the technology currently available is that it suits small, mid, and large terminals all the same," concludes Al Tama. "The demand for remote reefer container monitoring truly is diverse. We see customers who already have some level of automation and are trying to fill a gap along with customers who are looking to totally overhaul their operations."

Captain Peter leads the way

Captain Peter is the brainchild of Maersk Line. A piece of virtual technology introduced in 2019, Captain Peter uses modern methods to inform ports of upto- date information concerning reefer container voyages.

It can send a port fresh information via texts or emails regarding container temperatures and atmospheric conditions. Also, Captain Peter provides constant updates on the ship's journey, informing the port in the event of any deviations or delays.

Once the reefer container reaches its destination, Captain Peter will also assess its final state, and send a final update to the port.

This year sees another innovation from Maersk Line, with the launch of its Sekstant Reefer digitalisation service. With production commencing in the first quarter of 2020, Sekstant is designed to ensure that customers do not have to keep a constant eye on reefer containers. The service is tailored to each customer's respective requirements, with notifications sent via the Sekstant gateway as and when the customer wants.

Sekstant can support 2G, 3G and 4G LTE connectivity, with each one of the data streams kept separate from the individual container lines. A basic package deal of 99 cents per container per month gives the customer a GPS location, temperature readings and alarms. There is also the option to expand the basic level package with extra features such as G-Shock recording and remote ITI (Intelligent Trip Inspection) reporting.

Another real-time information tool comes from German container shipping firm Hamburg Süd (part of AP Moller Maersk). It introduced the Remote Container Management System for monitoring reefer container shipments, allowing ports to keep fully up to date with all the necessary information. Aspects including humidity, temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels are constantly updated via the online tool which can be accessed via a computer or a Smartphone, laptop or tablet - a good solution for port operators away from the office.

www.portstrategy.com - 27/02/2020



Conference in Genoa for the centenary of Ente Bacini
Genoa
The company was established on 19 February 1925
Interporto Bologna Board of Directors Renewed
Bentivoglio
Stefano Caliandro Appointed President. Loss of 1.7 million euros in 2024
NYK invests 76 billion yen in NYK Energy Ocean Corporation
Tokyo
The newco has taken over the activities of ENEOS Ocean
Decarbonisation of maritime transport will be faster in the EU and the US
DHL Acquires CRYOPDP
Bonn/Nashville
The company provides courier services for clinics and healthcare
Over a million to the port companies of Livorno and Piombino to acquire green vehicles
Leghorn
The ranking for admission to the PNRR-Next Gen Eu contributions has been published
COSCO Shipping Development Co.'s container sales increased by +204.1% in 2024
Shanghai
The related turnover increased by +124.0%
The call for funding for the purchase of electric vehicles in the ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado has been published
Genoa
Yang Ming Buys Three New 8,000 TEU Containerships
Keelung
They will be delivered between 2028 and 2029
Construction of a cruise ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises begins in Marghera
Trieste
Fincantieri will deliver the unit in 2026
Federlogistica establishes operational offices in Spain and Brazil
Genoa
The aim is to go beyond theoretical cooperative relationships
Over a Ton of Cocaine Seized in the Port of Gioia Tauro
Reggio Calabria
If placed on the market it would have generated over 187 million euros
In 2024, the economic results of Interporto Padova reached record values
Padua
Revenues up +17%
Three ceremonies at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard for three new MSC Cruises ships
Geneva
New flagship "MSC World America" delivered
German railway company DB Cargo reduced losses in 2024
Berlin
Revenues down again. -9.0% drop in freight volumes
NovaAlgoma orders second 38,000 dwt cement carrier in China
Lugano
It will be taken over in 2027
Customs agreement between Italy and Brazil to facilitate trade
Brasilia
Mission of the Customs and Monopolies Agency in the South American nation
A team from La Spezia Container Terminal in Rotterdam to test advanced technologies
The Spice
ECT Hutchinson Ports Training Center Visited
The assembly of Genoese freight forwarders on Monday
Genoa
It will be held at the Palazzo della Borsa in Genoa
Assarmatori, in Italy the ferry segment cannot bear the burden of the EU ETS in a very fragile market situation
Brussels
Messina: Protecting shipping from the ideological excesses of the Green Deal
The website of the Port Authority Corps - Coast Guard has been renewed
Rome
It has become a single digital access point to documents and services
In 2024, inland waterway freight transport in Germany increased by +1.2%
Wiesbaden
The volume, at 173.8 million tonnes, is the second lowest since 1990.
APM Terminals Granted Port of New York - New Jersey Concession Renewal
New York
Contract for a period of 33 years. Investments of 500 million dollars are expected
Experimentation of crane automation has begun at the Interporto Padova terminal
Padua
The interport company awarded the "Industria Felix 2025 Award"
Container traffic in the port of Algeciras fell by -17.0% in February
Algeciras
Both import-export volumes and transhipment are decreasing
New cruise company Crescent Seas has been founded in Miami
Miami
The fleet, initially consisting of one ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will grow to five units within the next five years
In 2024, the volume of vehicles transported by Wallenius Wilhelmsen's fleet decreased by -9.7%
Oslo
Traffic down on almost all global routes
SAILING LIST
Visual Sailing List
Departure ports
Arrival ports by:
- alphabetical order
- country
- geographical areas
Agreement between Assoporti and Assologistica and the Florida trade, transport and port authorities
Rome
It was signed today
In April a mission in Albania of The International Propeller Clubs - Italy
Genoa
It will take place on the 9th and 10th in Tirana and Durres
COSCO Shipping Ports revenues rose to a record $1.5 billion in 2024 (+3.3%)
Hong Kong
In the fourth quarter alone, a decrease of -3.0%
SO.RI.MA. (FHP group) granted a concession of an area of 125 thousand square meters in the port of Chioggia
Venice
Investments of 11.5 million euros expected over 25 years
Container traffic in the port of Valencia grew by +15.2% last month
Valencia
The overall volume of goods handled increased by +6.8%
Contship Italia’s intermodal network has been extended to the Gulf Terminal in La Spezia
Melzo
Connections with the inland terminals of Milan, Modena and Padua
The Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Port Authority obtains gender equality certification
Leghorn
It is the first Italian port authority to obtain this recognition
Container traffic growth weakens at ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
Los Angeles/Long Beach
Last month, increases of +2.6% and +13.4% respectively were recorded
Assarmatori, the Italian government's position on the impact of the EU ETS on shipping and ports is good
Rome
Messina: fully understood the risks and distortions of European climate regulation
PSA Italy's Genoa port terminals awarded anti-corruption certification
Genoa
The UNI EN ISO 37001 standard defines the requirements for an effective anti-corruption management system
Assiterminal presents three projects for the sustainable transition of the Italian port sector
Rome
Work completed on docks 33 and 34 of the port of Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
50,000 square meters of yards prepared
The completion and doubling of the Pontremolese is the dream-nightmare of the La Spezia port community
The Spice
Fontana: Money is not found when enormous resources are channeled into railway lines of dubious utility
Hanwha acquires 9.9% stake in shipbuilding company Austal
Sydney
Investment worth approximately 116 million US dollars
The European fleet is growing but competing fleets are growing at a faster rate
Brussels
Raptis (European Shipowners): investing ETS revenues in clean shipping technologies and fuels
Trasportounito has confirmed the national halt to the transport of goods
Rome
Proclaimed for the duration of five days from March 31st to April 4th
PORTS
Italian Ports:
Ancona Genoa Ravenna
Augusta Gioia Tauro Salerno
Bari La Spezia Savona
Brindisi Leghorn Taranto
Cagliari Naples Trapani
Carrara Palermo Trieste
Civitavecchia Piombino Venice
Italian Interports: list World Ports: map
DATABASE
ShipownersShipbuilding and Shiprepairing Yards
ForwardersShip Suppliers
Shipping AgentsTruckers
MEETINGS
The assembly of Genoese freight forwarders on Monday
Genoa
It will be held at the Palazzo della Borsa in Genoa
Tomorrow in Naples a conference of studies on the fight against illicit trafficking by sea
Naples
It will be held at the University of "Parthenope"
››› Meetings File
PRESS REVIEW
Damen Mangalia Unionists Protest Friday Against Possible Closure
(The Romania Journal)
Govt. to woo top ten shipping liners in world for Colombo port expansion
(Daily Mirror)
››› Press Review File
FORUM of Shipping
and Logistics
Relazione del presidente Nicola Zaccheo
Roma, 18 settembre 2024
››› File
Container traffic in Hong Kong port increased by +9.1% in February
Hong Kong
However, for the second time in the last 25 years, cargo volume was below one million TEU.
Cargo traffic in Greek ports stable in Q3 2024
Piraeus
The increase in volumes transported on domestic routes has offset the decline in traffic with foreign countries
At the Vado Ligure container terminal a 21,000 teu container ship fully loaded
I go to Liguria
The 400-meter-long Cosco Shipping Nebula has landed
UIR proposes a permanent table for the development of intermodality
Verona
The main task is to build a project financing program.
Restructuring plan approved for Spanish company Armas Trasmediterránea
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Creditors' appeal rejected
The decline in cargo traffic at the port of Singapore worsened in February
Singapore
Containerized cargoes amounted to 27.4 million tons (-3.6%)
Accelleron revenue surpassed $1 billion for the first time in 2024
Baden
Net profit up +63.1%
Fincantieri has delivered the new ship Norwegian Aqua to Norwegian Cruise Line
Trieste
It has a gross tonnage of 156,300 tons.
The tender for the first lot of the new electricity distribution network in the port of La Spezia has started
The Spice
Intervention worth 36.9 million euros
In 2024 d'Amico International Shipping recorded a decline in time charter revenues
Luxembourg
-7.6% decline on the previous record year
Global Ports Holding's port terminals handled record cruise traffic in 2024
Istanbul
The company's revenue increased by +21%
In the first two months of 2025, cargo traffic in Russian ports decreased by -5.7%
St. Petersburg
Only import loads are growing
The latest reading of the WTO Goods Trade Barometer shows a variable trend towards good
Geneva
Trasportounito will propose a national haulage ban from March 31st
Rome
Longo: from the Ministry evanescent and contentless answers
The introduction of ESG standards represents a profound transformation for port companies
Rome
Attica Reports Record Revenue and Operating Performance in 2024
Athens
Profits down due to costs of merger with Anek and purchase of emission allowances
Man arrested in investigation into collision between Solong and Stena Immaculate
Southampton
The charge is manslaughter due to gross negligence
Beijing: Measures to revive US shipbuilding industry won't work
Beijing
New duties and tariffs - the government underlines - are harmful for both parties
Messina Gets $50M Funding to Support Full Container Investment
Genoa
Agreement with BPER Banca and Banca Popolare di Sondrio
The tanker Sounion attacked in August in the Red Sea has passed through the Suez Canal
Ismailia
Collision between two ships near the port of Hull
Southampton / Jacksonville / Rotterdam
Fires broke out on both units
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