The port of Rotterdam has already been working for some time on a digital twin that is as complete as possible in order to increase its operational efficiency with a high degree of digitization. A smart freight container , which the Dutch are now sending over the seas, is designed to deliver insight into ways of improving the port’s modern Logistics 4.0 capabilities.

During its two-year journey around the world, numerous sensors will collect a variety of data on the container’s exposure to moisture, gradients, air pollution, noise, temperature, vibrations and position. The data will then be fed into the port’s digital twin to help create a more realistic simulation. The project will also investigate whether the container could make use of solar module to generate energy on a transport ship, truck or train: if so, freight containers could contribute a local energy source to energy and battery management.