Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) has launched its remote reefer container monitoring system, establishing round the clock automated remote management of refrigerated containers.
The initiative allows for greater visibility and accuracy on container conditions such as temperature, humidity and CO2 level, aiming to enhance the terminal’s operational efficiency and occupational safety, increasing its competitiveness in the growing cold chain logistics market.
According to MarketandMarkets.com, the global cold chain market size is valued at US$234bn in 2020 and is projected to reach US$340bn by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Hong Kong handled around 900,000 teu of reefer containers in 2020 and is the largest fresh fruit trading hub in South China, having achieved growth in durian and cherry shupments.
Fresh produce worth more than US$3bn arrives at the hub annually, around 60% of which is then transported onward to mainland China.
Leonard Fung, managing director of HIT, said: “To stay ahead of the ever-changing market landscape, HIT has long been investing resources in bolstering its competitiveness through technological innovation, operational excellence and facilities improvement.
“The launch of the remote reefer container monitoring System is itself a cornerstone signifying the importance of digitalising terminal operations. This will go a long way in enhancing the holistic operational efficiency and competitiveness of our terminals while reaffirming the city’s leading status in the cold chain logistics industry.”
The system has been fully deployed at HIT as well as fellow operators at Kwai Tsing, COSCO-HIT Terminals and Asia Container Terminals (ACT). Prior to this, reefer workers would have to go on-site to check reefer conditions and alarms regularly.
According to HIT, the “rigour and accuracy” of inspection of reefer facilities allows it to ensure that temperature-controlled daily necessities, such as fruits and vegetables, frozen meat, seafood, dairy products, chemicals and bio-pharmaceutical products like vaccines and medicine maintain their freshness and potency throughout the journey.
