MSC’s Chief Information Officer, Andre Simha, has stated that shipping lines need to focus on collaborating to develop standardized solutions.
Speaking at the Global Liner Shipping conference in Hamburg, Simha argued that shipping lines can only remain relevant and effective in responding to shippers’ technology needs by looking at further collaboration.
Simha said: “Customers won’t connect to multiple different systems; they will not go with a system of bits and pieces.
“You need something that is common, open and done in a consortium style.”
During the talk, Simha identified the development of smart container technology as a major example of how shipping lines are responding to customer-wide demands for innovation.
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Andre Simha speaking at the Global Liner Shipping conference. Image courtesy of MSC.
Simha commented: “We’ve reached the point in the carrier world where we shouldn’t always be competing on technology, because it’s not necessarily in our customers’ interests to do so.
“Some startups have had some very good ideas on segments that need improving – on smart containers, for example, we’re working in the same direction as other carriers and we’re making progress.”
MSC has recently shown support of Traxens, a smart-container monitoring solutions provider, who also receives support and backing from CMA CGM.
Starting out as a technology start-up, Traxens aimed to create a better connected and more efficient multi-modal cargo shipping industry — and was recently awarded the French Tech Pass for companies in the digital economy with a potential for hyper growth.
The Global Liner Shipping conference focused on a range of issues; including digitalization, e-commerce and autonomous vessels, and the application of blockchain to the global liner industry.
