WiseTech Global and Hapag-Lloyd are partnering to trial the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for real-time global container visibility, tracking and data collection. The container liner was already a first mover in equipping its 2 million container fleet with smart devices.
WiseTech develops logistics execution software and supply chain technology solutions. Through this initiative, Hapag-Lloyd’s containers are equipped with IoT devices that frequently transmit location updates directly to WiseTech’s platforms for the logistics, global trade and supply chain industry.
Also read: Hapag-Lloyd equips all containers with real-time tracking
Millions of data points daily
The 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-Lloyd’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.
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Live ETA
Moving beyond standard milestone updates, the collaboration aims to provide highly 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, delivering unprecedented accuracy for data-driven planning and execution.
In addition, Hapag Lloyd delivers the shipping industry’s first dynamic estimated time of arrival (ETA) prediction – 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 per cent compared to traditional static schedule predictions.
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From data to intelligence
Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer of WiseTech Global: ‘By bringing IoT-driven live container data and tracking into CargoWise, we’re revolutionising supply chain visibility. This collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd harnesses data at significant scale to turn it into intelligence that customers can act on, to reduce uncertainty, improve efficiency, and make smarter decisions.’
As the trial progresses, both companies will review and refine the data quality, accuracy, and usability of live IoT feeds at full scale, while gathering feedback from joint customers to inform further product development and commercialisation. The goal is to deliver a value-added ocean container visibility solution that integrates seamlessly into WiseTech’s platforms.
