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WiseTech Global and Hapag-Lloyd launched a pilot real-time container tracking with Internet of Things technology
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Trial integrates live data from Hapag-Lloyd’s two million smart containers into WiseTech platforms
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Pilot tests large-scale ingestion and processing of millions of IoT data points daily
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Customers gain access to real-time location, anomaly detection, and dynamic estimated time of arrival predictions
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Initiative aims to improve supply chain visibility and data-driven logistics execution
Australian logistics software developer WiseTech Global has partnered with container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd to pilot the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for real-time global container visibility, tracking and data collection.
Under the initiative, Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet of about two million containers, all equipped with IoT devices, will frequently transmit location updates directly into WiseTech’s ecosystem of platforms for the logistics, global trade, and supply chain industry, the companies said in a joint media release.
The pilot will test the ability to ingest and process millions of data points daily, using advanced algorithms to convert raw IoT data into meaningful milestones and products that support operational decision-making.
Karsten Schmidt, director for Live Position and Track and Trace at Hapag-Lloyd, said the company’s investment in equipping its entire dry container fleet with IoT technology is aimed at improving service reliability.
“Working with WiseTech, we can integrate the data from our smart containers into the systems our customers use every day, providing actionable predictive insights rather than just dots on a map,” Schmidt said. “This partnership represents an important step toward a more transparent, resilient and digitally enabled global supply chain.”
WiseTech will distribute the container location and positioning data to Hapag-Lloyd’s customers through platforms including CargoWise Cargo Tracker and Container Automation solutions. Additional distribution channels are planned through GLO, INTTRA, and Neo.
The collaboration aims to move beyond standard milestone-based updates by providing more accurate, real-time insights into container positioning, transit conditions, and arrival predictions.
Customers will then be able to detect anomalies such as route deviations or delays that could affect arrival at critical handover points.
The pilot also incorporates Hapag-Lloyd’s Live ETA capability, described as the shipping industry’s first dynamic estimated time of arrival tool that adjusts in real time based on actual movement and location data collected through IoT pings from GPS-enabled container devices, regardless of transport mode.
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For shipments where Hapag-Lloyd manages the entire journey from port to the customer’s location, the company said Live ETA improves delivery time accuracy by 75% compared with traditional static schedule predictions.
“The shipping industry has long relied on discrete and often inaccurate event updates that may lag by hours or even days. By bringing IoT-driven live container data and tracking into CargoWise, we’re revolutionizing supply chain visibility,” said Zubin Appoo, chief executive officer of WiseTech Global. “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, the two companies said they will review and refine data quality, accuracy, and usability of live IoT feeds at full scale, while gathering feedback from joint customers to guide further product development and potential commercialization of the solution.
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