The way ocean containers are tracked is changing, and not just incrementally.
WiseTech Global, a leading developer of logistics execution software and supply chain technology solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world’s largest container shipping lines, to trial the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for real-time global container visibility.
This initiative integrates Hapag-Lloyd’s Live Position and Live ETA data directly into the CargoWise platform, redefining visibility from retrospective tracking to proactive, data-driven supply chain management.
A Fleet of 2 Million Smart Containers
At the center of this pilot is scale.
Hapag-Lloyd has equipped its entire dry container fleet, approximately 2 million containers, with IoT devices capable of frequently transmitting real-time location data. These smart devices continuously send GPS-based updates directly into WiseTech’s ecosystem of logistics platforms.
This pilot is designed to test CargoWise’s ability to ingest and process millions of data points daily. Advanced algorithms then transform that high-volume IoT data into meaningful milestones and structured outputs that can be used to support operational decision-making.
Rather than relying solely on traditional event updates, logistics teams gain access to continuous, real-time movement data at the container level.
From Tracking Events to Intelligent Forecasting
The integration goes beyond simply showing container locations.
Through CargoWise, WiseTech can distribute live positioning data to customers using multiple channels, including:
- CargoWise Cargo Tracker
- Container Automation solutions
- GLO
- INTTRA
- Neo
More distribution pathways are planned as the pilot evolves.
This means customers can access real-time container visibility directly within the systems they already use daily, eliminating the need to rely on fragmented external portals.
But the real transformation lies in the shift from basic milestone tracking to predictive supply chain intelligence.
Live Position and Live ETA: A New Standard for Accuracy
One of the most significant developments in this partnership is the introduction of Live ETA, the shipping industry’s first dynamic estimated time of arrival prediction powered by real-time IoT data.
Traditional ETAs are based on static vessel schedules. When delays occur, arrival times often remain unchanged until manually updated. This creates uncertainty across supply chains.
Live ETA changes that.
Using IoT pings collected from GPS tracking devices on containers, ETA predictions adjust in real time based on actual movement and location data, regardless of transport mode.
For shipments where Hapag-Lloyd manages the full journey from port to final customer location, Live ETA improves delivery time accuracy by 75% compared to traditional static schedule predictions.
This level of precision supports:
- Improved delivery planning
- Better coordination across multimodal transport
- Reduced uncertainty in handover points
- More reliable customer communication
Detecting Anomalies Before They Escalate
Beyond visibility, the integration introduces anomaly detection capabilities.
Customers will not only see where a container is, but also identify deviations or delays that could impact arrival at the next critical milestone.
For example, unexpected route changes, slowdowns, or missed connections can be flagged earlier. This allows logistics teams to respond proactively instead of reacting after disruptions occur.
By converting raw IoT data into structured intelligence, CargoWise moves from simply reporting events to actively supporting decision-making.
Turning Data at Scale into Actionable Intelligence
Processing live location feeds from 2 million containers generates enormous data volumes.
The pilot specifically tests the platform’s ability to:
- Ingest millions of data points daily
- Maintain data accuracy at full scale
- Refine algorithms for milestone transformation
- Ensure usability within operational workflows
Both WiseTech and Hapag-Lloyd will review and refine data quality, accuracy, and practical usability as the trial progresses. Feedback from joint customers will inform future product development and commercialization efforts.
The goal is clear: deliver a unique, value-added ocean container visibility solution that integrates smoothly into WiseTech’s platforms.
A Pivotal Moment for the Industry
The shipping industry has long depended on milestone-based tracking, status updates that often arrive hours or even days after events actually occur. While functional, this model leaves little room for proactive response when disruptions happen.
This new pilot between WiseTech Global and Hapag-Lloyd aims to fundamentally change that dynamic.
Zubin Appoo, Chief Executive Officer 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 revolutionizing supply chain visibility. This collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd harnesses data at a significant scale to turn it into intelligence that customers can act on, to reduce uncertainty, improve efficiency, and make smarter decisions.”
From the carrier’s perspective, the initiative reflects years of investment into digitization and smart container technology.
Karsten Schmidt, Director Live Position & Track & Trace at Hapag-Lloyd, said:
“We’ve invested in equipping our entire dry container fleet with IoT technology to provide better service and reliability to our customers. Working with WiseTech, we can integrate the data from our smart containers into the systems our customers use every day, providing actionable predictive insights rather than just dots on a map. This partnership represents an important step toward a more transparent, resilient, and digitally enabled global supply chain.”
Together, these perspectives highlight the broader goal of the collaboration: transforming raw IoT container data into actionable intelligence embedded directly into operational systems.
What does this Mean for CargoWise Users?
For logistics providers operating within CargoWise, this pilot signals the next phase of supply chain visibility:
- Real-time CargoWise container tracking
- Dynamic ETA recalculation
- Predictive anomaly detection
- Seamless platform integration
- Embedded data-driven decision support
Instead of waiting for milestone confirmations, forwarders and logistics teams gain continuous, reliable insight into shipment movement.
As carriers and technology providers collaborate more closely, the gap between raw IoT data and actionable supply chain intelligence continues to narrow.
Conclusion
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in ocean freight visibility.
By combining large-scale IoT tracking with advanced algorithmic processing and direct platform integration, WiseTech and Hapag-Lloyd are shaping a new era of logistics execution, one defined by real-time intelligence, predictive accuracy, and operational control.
As the trial progresses and refinements are made, the industry moves closer to a future where container visibility is not just about knowing where cargo was, but understanding exactly where it is, where it’s heading, and what that means for the next operational decision.
If you want to understand how these enhancements can be implemented or optimized within your CargoWise environment, talk to Elicit, the CargoWise service partner.
We help forwarders configure visibility tools, integrate advanced tracking workflows, and align CargoWise capabilities with real operational goals. Schedule a call with our team today, and let’s turn visibility into actionable control across your supply chain.
