Maersk deploys next‑generation connectivity technology for its reefers

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has begun the roll-out of its next generation IoT connectivity devices for its fleet of refrigerated containers (reefers). The aim is to install the new devices on all reefers in the Maersk fleet the coming years.

“As real-time access and data availability grow increasingly vital for our cold chain customers, the deployment of our next‑generation IoT devices will provide them with a much more reliable data flow throughout the container journey,” stated Bruce Marshall, Head of Reefer Cargo at Maersk.

Currently, Maersk is in the process of completing the roll-out of its new digital connectivity platform aboard 450 vessels paving the way for smarter cargo tracking and management solutions in the future.

“Our fleet’s new digital platform has created a solid foundation for the future. The next step is to replace all existing IoT devices across our reefer fleet with the latest generation of technology, and we have already begun this work. After years of operating with several generations of devices, this upgrade will standardise our devices and deliver a more consistent customer experience,” commented Marshall.

Since 2019, Maersk has offered customers access to the visibility product Captain Peter, which enables them to monitor their cargo from the moment the goods are sealed in the container through to delivery at the final destination.

“For reefer customers, confidence that data is always available is crucial. That experience will improve markedly once our entire reefer fleet is fitted with the latest generation of connectivity devices. The upgrade will also provide the building blocks to introduce new features that will further strengthen the customer offering in the future. We want to pivot our current offering from being just a visibility product to being an intelligent tool that helps customers interpret data and provide recommended actions,” said him.

Fact box about the upgrade

• All containers in Maersk’s fleet of refrigerated containers (reefers) are to be upgraded with next generation connectivity devices
• In June, Maersk had installed next-gen devices on around 30 percent of all its reefers
• The devices have significantly more processing power than previous devices
• New devices support 4G/5G connectivity and are backwards-compatible with 2G/3G as well
• Device safety has been improved and is IMO compliant
• To ensure always-on, the devices harvest energy via solar panels.

Source: Maersk

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