California-based ESP Logistics Technology, which uses supply-chain analytics to detect, analyse and suggest actions in real time, has acquired Container 42 (C42) from the Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoRA), extending its technology into the smart container world.

PoRA created C42 with a consortium of technology and supply chain companies, including Cisco, Esri, Intel, IBM and Axians, to improve the smart container industry by including real-time sensed data on container movement, temperature and other metrics to increase safety, sustainability and efficiency in shipping and ports.

The combination of ESP and the C42 programme brings together smart container technology with ESP’s geospatial analytics platform capabilities that include visualisation, AI and machine-learning capabilities, enabling actions that solve supply chain problems.

“Our goal is to focus on the commercialisation of smart container technology across the approximately 65 million shipping containers worldwide,” said Dan Pimentel, president of ESP.

Erwin Rademaker, programme manager of PoRA, added: “We are happy to hand over the reins to ESP because we believe their platform really complements and enhances our original mission for a smoother supply chain.”

Over the last few months ESP has extended membership in C42 to RSAE and Rebirth Analytics and is open to new members.

ESP (www.esplogisticstech.com) connect the global supply chain through its cloud-based geospatial platform, increasing productivity via real-time location intelligence and end-to-end visibility while reducing the environmental impact of the movement. ESP was formed through a partnership with Esri and Gannett Fleming.

The aim of PoRA (www.portofrotterdam.com) is to strengthen the port’s position as a logistics hub and future-proof industrial complex. In doing so, it’s not size, but rather quality that takes precedence. The authority takes responsibility for the impact of the activities in the port on the climate and immediate surroundings.