Shipping company ONE to use smart containers from Sony
Japan’s Ocean Network Express will work with Sony to develop smart containers. The new solution will allow customers to track the movement of goods throughout their journey. In this way, ONE aims to improve customer service and increase the level of delivery control.
The logistics company is confident that Sony’s extensive experience in innovative technology will help make ONE’s container fleet as visible and controllable as possible. The operator plans to optimize delivery processes so that each stage is transparent and predictable not only for specialists but also for customers. In the development of the new type of container, special attention is paid to the possibility of quick connection from any point of the route. This makes it possible to react quickly to delivery problems and downtimes. Specialists can make quick decisions to change the route without severe damage to the customer. In addition, customers will be able to independently check the progress of the delivery and track the location of the shipment.
ONE’s fleet upgrade will attract new customers and boost its financials, which have been declining since the third quarter of 2012. At that time, the company’s profits fell 50% from the operator’s record Q2 performance. At that time, net income was more than $5.5 billion.
ONE was formed in 2017 through the merger of Japan’s three largest ocean carriers. In addition to transportation services, the operator offers logistics solutions and cargo storage options. ONE’s fleet includes more than 240 vessels of various types, including container ships, car carriers, and specialized vessels. The total cargo turnover of the fleet is more than 1.4 million TEU.
The recession in the market prompted the leading Japanese operators to establish ONE. At that time, the profit of the business was reduced and a large number of vehicles were not used. Thanks to the merger, ONE took 6th place in the world in terms of container traffic. NYK, the operator, owns 38% of the company, and MOL and K Line each control 31% of the shares. ONE is headquartered in Tokyo and Singapore and has offices in 90 countries.
In 2021, the company added a new division related to the implementation of a green strategy. As part of the division’s activities, the operator is implementing various projects that will help reduce the negative impact of transportation on the environment. One of the implemented programs is the use of biofuel for container ships.
ONE’s corporate color is a shade of magenta, in which all ships and containers are painted. It was chosen as a tribute to the Japanese symbol, the cherry tree.
