The collaboration is aimed at bringing together ONE’s extensive cargo shipping experience with Sony’s expertise in the development and innovation of world-class sensing and connectivity technologies.

“The technology-enabled containers will give ONE greater insights about its container fleet. The data will enable better visibility of the containers, faster and proactive decision making and more, allowing more efficient container movement,” it was stated.

“Customers will also stand to benefit from smart container solutions as they will be able to access live updates throughout a shipment’s journey. It will also provide more reliable shipping data for easy, transparent communication with relevant stakeholders.”

Sony has already developed a cargo tracking system, which is called Visilion. It uses a tracking device with cellular connectivity and a GNSS positioning chip that can connect to several satellite systems, plus Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for local commutations. Where satellite coverage is missing, the tracker calculates position using a mobile network. At sea, where a mobile network is missing, vessel position can be found via “external data platforms”, according to Sony.

As well as GNSS for position, the Visilion device has built-in sensors for humidity, temperature, shock and light. It communicates over the air with a cloud-based platform and adjusts its level of activity depending on the transport mode and monitoring requirements set by the owner. The devices were designed to be attached to shipping containers directly or placed inside with the cargo.

Hiroki Tsujii, Managing Director, Produc & Network at ONE, said: “From its very inception, ONE is a business that believes in the value of collaboration. Now, together with Sony, we are excited to create the future of container shipping. This is a future where we have access to the insights we need to offer our customers a higher quality of service to forge a new standard of process excellence.”

Erik Lund, Head of Visilion, Sony Network Communications Europe’s Tracking Division, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with ONE and dedicated to creating an advanced solution for smart containers. The real-time insights gained across ONE’s fleet will allow them to further optimise their shipping business and in doing so, improve customer service. We look forward to working together and creating the future of logistics.”

• ONE has introduced Israel Express (ILX), a new weekly Israel shuttle service, connecting Israel (ports of Ashdod and Haifa) to the hub of Damietta, Egypt. This new shuttle service was created in response to the growing demand for both import and export cargo from Israel, says the carrier.