WiseTech and Hapag-Lloyd Test IoT for Container Visibility

Australian supply chain software provider WiseTech Global has entered into a partnership with Hapag-Lloyd to pilot the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology across the liner’s fleet of two million smart containers. The trial aims to deliver real-time global container tracking, visibility, and data capture.

As part of the pilot, IoT devices installed across Hapag-Lloyd’s container fleet regularly transmit location data directly into WiseTech’s platform ecosystem for logistics, global trade, and supply chain users. The project is designed to test WiseTech’s ability to ingest and process millions of data points each day, using advanced algorithms to convert raw IoT information into meaningful milestones and decision-support tools.

The initiative focuses on closing the gap between raw IoT signals and practical supply chain intelligence.

WiseTech will distribute container location and positioning data to Hapag-Lloyd customers through several channels, including CargoWise Cargo Tracker and Container Automation. Additional distribution options are planned, such as integration via GLO, INTTRA, and Neo.

Rather than relying solely on standard milestone updates, the collaboration is intended to deliver precise, real-time insights into container location, transit status, and arrival forecasts. Customers will be able to monitor not just where a container is, but also identify potential disruptions such as delays or route deviations that could affect handover points along the journey.

Hapag-Lloyd has also introduced what it describes as the shipping industry’s first dynamic estimated time of arrival solution, known as Live ETA. This system continuously updates arrival predictions based on real-time movement and location data received from IoT-enabled GPS devices on containers, across all transport modes. For end-to-end shipments managed entirely by Hapag-Lloyd, Live ETA is reported to improve delivery time accuracy by 75 percent compared to traditional static schedules.

Zubin Appoo, CEO of WiseTech Global, said: “The shipping industry has long relied on discrete and often inaccurate event updates that may lag by hours or even days. By bringing IoT-driven live container data and tracking into CargoWise, we’re revolutionising supply chain visibility.”

Karsten Schmidt, director of live position and track and trace at Hapag-Lloyd, said the partnership is a key step toward building a “more transparent, resilient and digitally enabled global supply chain.”

“This initiative marks a pivotal moment for the industry, as carriers and technology providers work together to bridge the gap between raw IoT data and actionable supply chain intelligence,” WiseTech stated in a release.

For Hapag-Lloyd, the technology trial also supports the broader messaging behind the Gemini Cooperation with Maersk, where reliability and improved delivery performance are central themes. The company believes this digital integration will help strengthen its ability to deliver shipments more consistently than competitors.