Hamburg Süd introduces real-time transparency to cool chains
Hamburg Süd presents its future use of Remote Container Management (RCM) in Berlin during the Fruit Logistica, the world’s most important trade fair for fresh produce, including fruit and vegetables. In recent months, all the reefer containers used by Hamburg Süd have been outfitted with RCM technology.
Using satellite and mobile radio technology, RCM makes it possible to monitor the refrigerated container and the condition of the cargo inside it – including its location, temperature profile, relative humidity, and concentrations of oxygen and CO2 – around the clock and in real time. In addition, certain settings can be adjusted remotely.
Unlike with the monitoring systems previously in place, customers can now use an online platform or an app on their tablet or smartphone to conveniently obtain an overview of the conditions of their cargo in the container at any time. In addition, they are automatically notified when individually defined parameters or limit values are reached.
“RCM will be a genuine game changer for the important reefer market,” says Frank Smet, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Hamburg Süd. “The added value lies in the fact that customers can use this data not only to monitor their supply chain better, but also to make it significantly more efficient and secure.”
As a Maersk Group company, Hamburg Süd can offer more than 370,000 reefer containers to its customers worldwide. This is the largest reefer fleet in the industry and, on top of that, every single one of them is outfitted with RCM, which ensures seamless availability of this innovative technology. Having complete control over the condition of the cargo enables customers to react to changes over the entire course of the transport rather than just at its destination.