Remote reefer monitoring for Steinweg

News 12 Apr 2017 by WCN Editorial

Identec Solutions has installed the first remote reefer monitoring system in the Port of Hamburg at the C. Steinweg multipurpose terminal.

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Today instead of manually checking reefer containers every four or eight hours the C. Steinweg (Süd-West Terminal) multi-purpose terminal can monitor reefers at its facility remotely. The terminal has installed Identec Solution’s CTAS Reefer monitoring system, which uses remote units that magnetically attached to the container and connect to the reefer’s serial port to send data wirelessly.

“CTAS Reefer is compatible with all current models from reefer container manufacturers such as Daikin, Carrier, Starcool or Thermo King,” said 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”. When the box leaves the terminal again, the tag is removed and used for the next container arriving.

The terminal has been using CTAS reefer since late 2016 to monitor reefer conditions, including normal functioning, temperature, humidity and other parameters, and record, notify and processes all data fully automatically. CTAS Reefer is linked with C. Steinweg’s terminal operating system (TOS), and all event data is archived in case 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.”

C. Steinweg gained three new customers last year and is handling more export reefer containers. “We therefore gave special attention to how to organize an optimal service for reefer containers,” said Rainer Fabian, Managing Director of C. Steinweg (Süd-West Terminal). “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.”

The Port of Hamburg has announced the new system as a “fresh advance towards digitalization”. C. Steinweg joins a list of terminals using CTAS reefer that includes Long Beach Container Terminal, USA; Port of Cartagena, Colombia; SSA Mexico; TecPlata, Argentina; APMT Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria; King Abdullah Port, Saudi Arabia; New Orleans, USA; and Karachi International Container Terminal, Pakistan, among others.