The service will allow customers to receive real-time updates on the precise location of their goods as they are transported by rail, road and sea.
The new track and trace system is designed to advance the digitalisation of trade and significantly improve customers’ visibility of the supply chain. The technology is being introduced this month and is expected to be extended to more than half of the company’s 4,000-strong fleet of 45 foot containers by the end of the year, with the aim of completing the roll out by the end of 2021.
Thorsten Runge, managing director of P&O Ferrymasters, said: “We are at our best in solving complex logistical challenges for our customers and this next step in our digital journey will enable the faster and smarter exchange of information across Europe. Our customers can continue to rely on us to invest in new platforms to make trade flow and provide a door-to-door logistics service.
“Track and Trace is being introduced with the support of our parent company, DP World, which aims to lead the transformation of the global logistics industry by building joined up, standardised, digital systems. DP World’s vision is to lead the digitisation of world trade, increasing efficiency, transparency and control, and building new ways of enabling trade.”
P&O Ferrymasters has been working in partnership with the leading Swiss enabler of transparent digitalised supply chains, Nexxiot, on the project. Stefan Kalmund, chief executive officer of Nexxiot, said: “Visibility, efficiency and predictive capabilities are all key drivers for data driven organisations who are seeking improved reliability, trust and accountability. As one of our most innovative clients, P&O Ferrymasters can now access the business intelligence they need for full fleet coordination, improved efficiency and business process automation.”
The new system follows a series of steps forward in P&O Ferrymasters’ services in the last 12 months, including the opening of a new 17,000 square meter warehouse facility in Rotterdam and commencing operations at DP World’s London Gateway logistics park. The company has also launched new connections between Budapest, Duisburg and Rotterdam, and between Oradea and Lodz.