First fully-automatic reefer container monitoring implemented at C. Steinweg (Süd-West Terminal) in Hamburg

The Port of Hamburg has achieved a fresh advance towards digitalization. The first fully-automatic system for monitoring reefer containers has been introduced at the C. Steinweg (Süd-West Terminal) multi-purpose cargo handling facility. The system has been developed and launched by the Austrian technology group Identec Solutions, specialists in wireless sensor and localization applications.

As a rule, reefer containers are manually checked by staff at cargo handling terminals at specific intervals, usually of between four and eight hours, for normal functioning, temperature, humidity and other parameters. This effort is supplanted by the CTAS Reefer System developed by Identec Solutions, which records, notifies and processes all data fully automatically.

Since the end of 2016, a monitoring device tag has been attached magnetically to every incoming reefer container at C. Steinweg as an automatic link with the container’s controller. “CTAS Reefer is compatible with all current models from reefer container manufacturers such as Daikin, Carrier, Starcool or Thermoking. Unlike the usual power-line modem solutions, this is completely independent,” stresses Stephan Piworus, Global Vice President, Sales Ports & Terminals for Identec Solutions in Hamburg. Once connected, the tag notifies relevant reefer data every 15 minutes by radio signal. Should any discrepancies occur, these generate an automatic alarm signal facilitating an immediate response.

CTAS Reefer is linked with C. Steinweg’s terminal operating system (TOS), completely integrating reefer container processes in terminal operation. When the box leaves the terminal again, the tag is simply removed and used for the next container arriving. All data handled remain archived in the system and can be retrieved in the event of enquiries or insurance cases.

“Use of the CTAS Reefer facilitates substantial reduction of labour-intensive, manual checking and documentation input,” explains Piworus. “Multiple data input is unnecessary, virtually eliminating any risk of errors in data recording. C. Steinweg not only has an uninterrupted record of the state of a reefer for the duration of its stay at the terminal, but with the box being checked every 15 minutes, also boosts both safety and customer satisfaction.”

Last year C. Steinweg was able to attract three new customers for its multi-purpose terminal in Hamburg. In addition to conventional general cargoes, these are shipping more export reefer containers. “We therefore gave special attention to how to organize an optimal service for reefer containers,” says Rainer Fabian, Managing Director of C. Steinweg (Süd-West Terminal) in Hamburg. “Automated high-frequency data collection enables us to guarantee maximum safety and security for sensitive reefer cargoes. Instead of going unnoticed, defective reefer aggregates or discontinuation of power supply are quickly reported and can be rectified immediately. Our trained, expert staff look after handling, connection and settings of reefer containers.”

CTAS Reefer is the first system of this kind to be installed in the Port of Hamburg. Besides Hamburg, CTAS Reefer is already in service in the Netherlands, USA, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Pakistan, Argentina, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
 
Identec Solutions
Identec was founded in Lustenau, Austria, in 1999 and is a global provider of wireless solutions guaranteeing visibility to improve efficiency, safety as well as security in challenging industrial operating environments. Sector-specific applications based on robust RFID radio technology are in use in the oil & gas, port/terminal, tunnelling/mining sectors, as well as the automotive and chemical industries. Identec Solutions is a privately run company in the Identec Group and apart from its head office in Austria has regional offices in Australia, the USA, Norway and Germany. www.identecsolutions.com
 
C. Steinweg (Süd-West Terminal)
C. Steinweg (Süd-West Terminal)’s universal cargo handling facility has been operating on Kamerunkai in the Port of Hamburg since 1858. The focus of activity here is on stevedoring and warehousing of conventional and containerized general cargo. Among the freight stored here in an ISPS-certified exchange warehouse are metals, coffee, cocoa, paper and project shipments. Other services provided include goods checking, sampling, re-packing, inspections, fumigation and customs formalities. www.hamburg.steinweg.com