Reducing Emissions in Cold Chain Shipping with IoT and AI Technology
The maritime shipping industry, especially cold chain logistics, faces multiple sustainability challenges. One of the biggest issues is ensuring the integrity of perishable goods during transport, which can lead to significant spoilage and emissions if not managed properly. Moreover, traditional shipping methods often lack real-time visibility, leading to inefficiencies in cargo handling, delayed routes, and higher emissions from extended voyages. These inefficiencies also translate into higher costs and environmental harm, exacerbating global sustainability concerns such as food waste and carbon emissions. As regulatory pressure grows on industries to curb emissions and adopt greener practices, shipping companies are turning to advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
COSCO SHIPPING is at the forefront of this shift, integrating advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and geofencing into its operations to optimize cold chain logistics. Their Smart Solution IBOX REEFER empowers reefer containers with smart capabilities such as real-time temperature monitoring, location tracking, and door monitoring. This enables shipping companies to ensure the safety and quality of sensitive goods like fruits and vegetables throughout long sea journeys. Additionally, the IBOX DRY solution ensures the safe transport of special or hazardous goods by maintaining optimal internal conditions.
A notable component of COSCO’s initiative is the MY REEFER 3.0 platform, which uses AI-driven algorithms to provide end-to-end visibility across the supply chain. Customers can monitor multi-vessel shipments in real-time, identify potential risks, and adjust logistics plans on the fly. The platform’s seamless integration with Shanghai Customs also facilitates paperless customs processing, significantly reducing delays. Furthermore, by optimizing container conditions, the initiative reduces carbon emissions equivalent to 454 hectares of forests annually.
By leveraging these technologies, COSCO SHIPPING addresses key sustainability issues such as waste reduction, emissions control, and efficient resource management, setting a standard for eco-friendly innovation in the maritime sector.
Source: Logistics Manager
Technologies Used:
- Internet of Things (IoT): Enables real-time tracking of containers, remote temperature control, and monitoring of reefer containers, ensuring optimal conditions for sensitive cargo.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Integrates with the supply chain to predict risks, improve operational efficiency, and streamline logistics.
- Geofencing and air-sky integrated networks: Facilitates continuous communication and resource management during voyages, enhancing safety and route optimization.
Companies Involved:
- COSCO SHIPPING: COSCO leads the initiative by implementing IoT technology in reefer and dry containers. Its role includes real-time cargo monitoring, temperature control, and ensuring container safety, especially for perishable and hazardous goods.
- Shanghai Customs: Integrated into the platform for paperless customs declarations, expediting the clearance of sensitive cargo like fresh fruits.
SDGs Impacted:
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The initiative uses IoT and AI to modernize infrastructure and logistics, increasing efficiency and innovation in shipping.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – By optimizing operations and reducing emissions, the initiative contributes to climate change mitigation, helping reduce carbon footprints.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Enhances supply chain transparency and reduces spoilage in the cold chain, promoting sustainable consumption patterns.
Geographic Focus: Global
Industry Focus: Transportation and Logistics
Sustainability Focus:
- Emissions Reduction: The initiative reduces carbon emissions through optimized container management and shipping routes.
- Food Waste: By maintaining precise control over container conditions, it minimizes spoilage in cold chain logistics, reducing food waste.
- Energy Efficiency: Enhances resource utilization across the supply chain, contributing to better energy management.
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