HMM Introduces IoT Technology for Refrigerated and Frozen Containers

HMM refrigerated and frozen containers.

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] HMM announced on the 26th that it will newly install Internet of Things (IoT) devices in refrigerated and frozen containers and conduct pilot operations.

HMM explained that it has strengthened container equipment recently due to the increasing demand from global shippers for high-value sensitive cargo. Installing IoT devices in refrigerated and frozen containers allows real-time tracking of cargo location as well as monitoring and controlling changes in temperature, humidity, CO2, and vibration through an internet environment.

Previously, ship crew members on board directly checked the temperature of refrigerated and frozen container cargo and provided information to shippers. In particular, maintaining a consistent temperature until the destination while passing through hot and cold regions is the most important factor for refrigerated and frozen containers.

After introducing the IoT devices, HMM plans to conduct pilot operations including simulations for 1 to 2 years before fully launching the service. Once the service is introduced, the quality of service is expected to improve significantly with more thorough management of cargo transportation.

HMM plans to complete the installation of IoT devices in a total of about 1,000 refrigerated containers by the end of this year. As of the end of September, installation has been completed on approximately 800 new refrigerated containers, and about 200 additional devices will be installed on existing equipment by the end of this year.

The monitoring system to support this will also be established by the end of December. Starting next year, HMM will analyze results and accumulate big data to comprehensively derive utilization plans for future shipper services, cost reduction, operational improvements, and scalability.

An HMM official stated, “The introduction of new IT technologies is the core of shipping competitiveness, and we plan to continuously strengthen R&D and pursue various IT utilization methods to improve services and quality.” He added, “We intend to strengthen our position as an IT frontier shipping company by adopting the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digitalization, which will be actively applied in the shipping industry in the future.”