Keeping bananas fresh: New initiatives keep Maersk Line at forefront of global transport service

New initiatives keep Maersk Line at forefront of global transport service
June 10, 2018 https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20180610/business-news/new-in...

Thomas Smith, local agent for Maersk Line, is bringing Maersk Line’s sophisticated refrigerated technology to the Maltese market.

A ground-breaking innovation, Remote Container Management (RCM) allows a user to monitor the conditions inside the container from the moment the goods are locked inside, right up to delivery at their final destination. This new initiative affecting globalisation and the world of perishables continues to reinforce Maersk Line’s status as the pioneers in global transportation service.

The RCM platform gives the user exclusive and complete insight into the state of the cargo, which increases the ability to act in case there are any inconsistencies during its journey. It helps create an alternative plan and reduce unnecessary costs and inconvenience.

The RCM platform, which is available for free as a basic service, provides a whole new level of transparency into the supply chain. Essentially, it brings the user peace of mind when shipping fresh or frozen cargo – eliminating the risk of unexpected surprises when the container is opened upon arrival.

Having pioneered refrigerated transport since 1936, Maersk Line has the knowledge, equipment and expertise to streamline logistics and the supply chain with optimal refrigerated transport solutions. Whether customers are shipping fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, meat or pharmaceuticals, goods are safely transported from door to door in a sealed, remote-controlled environment to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

Keeping bananas fresh
After five months in existence, more than 1,200 customers are using RCM on shipments representing more than 55 per cent of Maersk Line’s total annual reefer volumes. Among their top customers are Chiquita, who were serviced with 2,500 Star Cool Integrated containers to transport their bananas.

The containers are equipped with MCI’s market-leading Star Cool CA (Controlled Atmosphere) system, which effectively preserves the freshness of bananas during transit. By controlling the ripening, Star Cool CA ensures an extended transportation window of up to 45 days and the arrival of the produce in perfect condition for a prolonged shelf life in the supermarkets.

Reducing food waste
Maersk is investigating ways of helping to address the global challenge of food loss with a business solution, which can help reduce food loss across the value chain. This could be in the form of new packaging and preservation methods, improved information flow, tracking food conditions, new market opportunities or any other solution.

Since 1928, Maersk Line has been known for its reliable, flexible and eco-efficient transportation and logistics services. Today, it provides end-to-end transportation to every corner of the globe, both by sea and by land. They number 630 vessels and 33,000 employees, with 306 offices in 114 countries.

Thomas Smith Group was appointed local agent of Maersk Line in 2009. Maersk Line is the core container liner shipping activity of the A. P. Moller, Maersk Group, which is renowned internationally not solely for being the most secure and reliable container shipping company but also the most environmentally-friendly.