French start-up Traxens and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is cooperating with its partner in a pilot project in Valencia to use an Internet-of-Things (IoT) network to improve the operational efficiency of the port.
MSC is already working with Traxens, which provides data and services for the supply chain industry, on smart container solutions using IoT for customers around the world. The use of such real-time tracking technologies brings unprecedented visibility of cargo flow from door-to-door, adding efficiency, safety and predictability where historically chasing information has been time-consuming and expensive.
The pilot project at MSC Terminal Valencia is being conducted in cooperation with the Port Authority at the Port of Valencia and Fundacion Valenciaport (FVP). It started in September and aims to provide a better overview of traffic for improved operational efficiency.
“We have already used IoT devices by Traxens for tracking our containers and we believe that the functionality can really help port authorities in improving operations. This could bring benefits to all parties,” said Jaime Lopez, Intermodal Project Leader, MSC Spain.
As part of the pilot project, MSC Spain trucks have been equipped with dedicated IoT devices by Traxens, allowing for near real-time tracking of movement of vehicles. This can help port authorities to predict and manage potential congestion, as well as to anticipate truck arrivals at the gates.
A gateway has been installed at the MSC terminal to allow enhanced and secured connectivity and Traxens will also provide access to its big data analytics platform, TRAXENS-Hub, bringing enhanced analytics and reporting capabilities for port authorities.