MSC to use smart containers to stock ships

Today it has been announced that MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys have linked up with sister company MSC, the world leader in container shipping, to use smart containers to stock their ships.

Currently MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys both source most of their food locally – some 96 per cent - but in the event of a product not being available locally, goods are taken to ships from a series of warehouses around the world. 

A problem in transit during the transportation of goods by road or sea will now trigger an alert to the supplier that can then be resolved en route using a smart container to ensure that food products that depend on the exact environment for freshness can be delivered without having to dispatch a costly replacement.

The smart containers are fitted with internet connected devices to collect data such as position, temperature and humidity, and monitored remotely around the clock from a centralised Customer Service Centre in Antwerp, Belgium.  

The scale of the overall food delivery operation is considerable with each of MSC Cruises’ 22 ships carries on average 22,500 kg of fresh fruit, 20,000 kg of fresh vegetables and 5,400 kg of fish during a 7-night voyage.

Could this spell the end of the frustration of running out of your favourite food or drink while onboard?