TOTE Maritime selects remote-monitoring reefer system

TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico will be using ORBCOMM’s VesselConnect solution to remotely manage its fleet of smart refrigerated containers at sea.

The carrier, which specialises in moving cargo between the US mainland and Puerto Rico, will use the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)-based solution to monitor and control its refrigerated container fleet along the cold chain both on land and at sea.

The solution, the deployment of which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2017, will allow the shipping company to receive data including reefer status, temperature and slot location from its containers on the vessel or on shore through any Internet-connected device.

The temperature-sensitive, high-value goods transported by TOTE Maritime include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and candy.

The carrier can adjust reefer set points and conduct pre-trip inspections on-board, which is expected to reduce manual labour, by eliminating the need to manually check the temperature status and condition of reefer containers, and expedite cargo distribution on land.

The Vessel Connect system also provides the company with the precise temperature monitoring capabilities and records needed in order to comply with the FDA’s Food Safety Modernisation Act regulatory requirements.

A potential alarm would be automatically displayed on the VesselConnect console, with an engineer sent to check and resolve any issues.

The system also identifies non-performing equipment and alerts shore-based staff in advance of the need for repairs, thus potentially reducing time out of service and insurance claims.

Jim Wagstaff, VP of Operations, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, said: “By deploying ORBCOMM’s VesselConnect solution, we have access to comprehensive, real-time information about our refrigerated sea containers that enables us to not only maximise the safety and efficiency of our supply chain operations, but also better serve our customers.”