MSC invests in container monitoring technology firm

Ocean carrier MSC has started investing in TRAXENS, a French start-up that produces technology for ocean container tracking.    Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) the world’s second largest container line, has joined rival CMA CGM as an investor in TRAXENS, a French start-up that makes technology for tracking ocean containers.
   Together, both of the two shipping giants transport about 25 percent of the world’s containers.
   TRAXENS has developed sensor-laden hardware, including GPS, that can monitor a container’s position, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide level, vibration activity, unauthorized door openings, and customs status. In addition, TRAXENS can communicate readings in real time to a data hub using mobile transmission technology. The TRAXENS system can also remotely adjust the temperature in refrigerated containers.
   CMA CGM is already deploying the TRAXENS devices in some of its containers and a deployment schedule across CMA CGM’s and MSC’s vessels will be announced in the fourth quarter, TRAXENS said in a statement.
   TRAXENS Director of Communications Tim Baker declined to say how much MSC has invested in the company. However, CMA CGM owns almost a quarter of TRAXENS.
   “We see container monitoring as an important innovation in providing our customers with a high quality of service, while also being able to monitor our outputs accurately,” MSC CEO Diego Aponte said in a statement. “We believe that shipping lines should naturally compete on service, but should co-operate in the area of technology and innovation.”
   Many companies offer geo-location and monitoring devices for containers, but have mostly been relegated for use with high-value cargo because of high expenses for installation, maintenance and data use. TRAXENS officials claim their technology is scalable for millions of containers.
   TRAXENS is different because of its hardware, software platform and business model, Baker said in an e-mail.
   The Marseilles-based technology company has designed a long-life battery that requires a minimum amount of power to operate the device, eliminating the need for frequent battery changes. The primary innovation is a meshed radio network that allows containers in close proximity to communicate with one another and then transmit data one time for the group using the device that has the most battery power and best mobile communications signal.
   A cloud-based database can store and distribute data from the devices to carriers, as well as related parties such as truckers and beneficial cargo owners interested in a container’s status.
   Data subscriptions will be sold to all supply chain partners, not just the container lines, thereby bringing down the cost for everyone.
   “We hope we are in the process of creating a worldwide standard for bringing dumb containers into the 21st century of connected objects,” Baker said.
   For an in-depth analysis of how TRAXENS seeks to transform the container industry through connected devices, see the feature story Making ‘smart boxes.’