Maersk Container Industry (MCI) will next year launch its new Sekstant Global Guidance system for reefer digitalisation, a roll-out described by the company as its most significant technological breakthrough since the introduction of its Star Cool reefer.
With the refrigerated container manufacturer drawing on many years of involvement in reefer connectivity, Sekstant provides container operators with accurate data at any point along the transportation chain.
“Whether on high seas on board a container vessel or inland carried on a truck, the data can be visualised on the shipper’s desktop and seamlessly integrated into their IT systems,' explained Anders Holm, global head of sales and marketing at MCI. 'This is a great leap forward in transparency and optimising utilisation.'
The key to the concept’s effectiveness, MCI noted, is that it stays online, using a centralised cloud architecture. The system is enabled by a state-of-the-art Smart Edge device that includes wide-band 4G LTE modem connectivity with global coverage.
Everything is incorporated into a single device and shares one power supply with the reefer controller. Using the Linux OS platform, the device features Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth for mobile communication.
“All data transmissions are secured and encrypted,' Holm added. 'At the same time, the machine data MCI receives can now be processed and transmitted to Star Cool reefer users to give them previously unseen levels of transparency and guidance.
Depending on the range of services requested, the standard functions like GPS location, temperature readings and alarms can be expanded to include G-shock recording, ITI diagnostics stamps, replacing manual pre-trip inspections (PTI’s) and potentially automated government approvals, as well as remotely activated trip preparation.
MCI explained that data capturing is used to support warranty handling while remote Controlled Atmosphere (CA) readings, sensor alarms and temperature control protect product quality.
To optimise fleet management operations, Sekstant will even offer opportunities for geofencing, equipment condition status and reefer lifetime reports.
“We will be releasing a base range of functions in 2019, but we have plenty more in the pipeline,' Holm added. 'Additional functions will be developed in close cooperation with our customers, which will enable us to provide data-driven packages to support specific customer requirements.'
MCI entering the connectivity market with its comprehensive expertise in the field of container technology will mark the first time a reefer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is offering a system of this kind directly to its customers.
The machine data provided will realise vast digital synergies to further drive the company’s product evolution, to the benefit of operators and the broader reefer transport chain.
