Global container shipping company Maersk Line has uploaded the technical details of its entire container fleet to BoxTech, the fast-growing database provided by the Bureau International des Containers (BIC). Following the upload, the BoxTech database now holds details of more than 7.5 million shipping containers, approximately 30% of the global container fleet.
Launched in July 2016, the non-profit BoxTech Technical Characteristics Database has helped hundreds of shippers, forwarders, terminals, and other parties to digitalize more of their operations. With more than 1000 total users, the database is utilized to obtain container weights and sizes and will soon offer additional functionality such as status and recovery alerts.
The easily integrated and automated system enables a seamless flow of container information between different parties throughout the supply chain, increasing efficiency and reducing manual tasks. Maersk Line is one of the latest companies to benefit, following the upload of their entire worldwide container fleet.
“We strive to simplify and create transparency across our customers’ entire supply chains. This digital platform provides our customers ease in complying with industry regulation. In turn, access to precise data on the weight of the loaded container will support our drive towards increased fleet safety,” says Ingrid Uppelschoten-Snelderwaard, Head of Equipment at Maersk Line.
Douglas Owen, Secretary General of the BIC commented “We’re delighted that Maersk Line has uploaded their fleet in support of BoxTech and we are confident that their customers and trading partners will be equally pleased. The enhanced visibility and automated data access improves safety and security, and also means efficiency gains and cost savings right through the supply chain.”
Signing up to BoxTech is quick and simple and the initial file of container fleet technical details is uploaded easily using a CSV template. Subsequent data uploads can then be automated via APIs, saving time and increasing digitalization. APIs can also be put in place for conducting database queries, allowing seamless integration of necessary container details directly into systems. The database is continually developing and evolving to best meet the data needs of the shipping industry.
“With 2 of the top 3 global carriers, and 2 of the top 4 leasing companies now having loaded their fleets in BoxTech, shippers are beginning to experience just how beneficial such a database can be,” adds Douglas Owen. “More fleets are being added all the time, and the closer we get to the entire global fleet, the more the industry benefits from BoxTech”.
To sign up to the BoxTech Technical Characteristics Database, or for more information, visit www.bic-boxtech.org.
The BIC will also be discussing the latest BoxTech developments at the meeting of the International Maritime Organization Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (IMO CCC) from 11th – 15th September, and with visitors at the JOC Container Trade Europe conference from 18th – 20th September in Hamburg, Germany.
The BIC supports the international container industry with multiple registration databases and operates the BoxTech Technical Characteristics Database for the industry on a non-profit basis. For more information about the BIC, visit www.bic-code.org.
