How can drones help container inspection?

Container inspection is the process of detecting each shipping container before loading and after unloading it with cargo. It is a vital step in international trade, adding to national security in shipping containers crossing foreign borders. International trade has also become the hub for illegal activities where miscreants tamper with shipping containers to place drugs, weapons, human trafficking, and other illicit activities. Shipping containers are thoroughly inspected at various points during their transit to ensure cargo security and adhere to the trade guidelines of the importing country. 

What is a container inspection? 

The supply chain uses multiple shipping containers daily for international shipping. These containers are loaded and unloaded at various transportation hubs and ports and are thoroughly inspected. Container inspection is the process of examining shipping containers at container terminals, depots, or transportation hubs to ensure they meet the ISO-prescribed safety, security, and regulatory standards. The container inspection checklist must be verified before the containers are loaded with cargo and stowed onto a ship, train, or truck for transportation. Container inspections are a crucial aspect of logistics for international trade as they minimise risks of cargo damage and ensure a safer and more efficient movement of goods across the supply chain. In addition, container inspections also protect national security by preventing the transportation of unsafe or illegal goods during international trade. These inspections are supervised by customs or other supervisors at various points in the supply chain, including at ports, border crossings, and distribution centers. The number of times a container gets inspected depends on the specific requirements of the importing country and the nature of the cargo being imported. 

Challenges in container inspection 

1. Volume of containers- Due to high volumes of shipping containers entering and leaving the port facilities or transportation hubs, it becomes challenging to inspect shipping containers in a limited period. 

2. Manual errors- Manual inspection of shipping containers are challenging when scanning every nook and corner of the stacked containers. There are risks of mistakes, and it would take a significant amount of time to inspect each container manually. 

3. Lack of resources- If the inspections are to be performed using technology, not all port facilities and transportation hubs have suitable and sufficient resources such as trained personnel, technology, and infrastructure to conduct inspections. 

4. Container tampering- Packed containers cannot be manually inspected for their contents at any point in the supply chain since authorities must break the container seal, risking cargo security. It becomes challenging to check for any illegal activities, such as human trafficking, once the containers are sealed shut. 

 

What are drones? 

Drones are among the recent technological revolutions that have transformed supply chain management. It is also called Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). These drones are remotely piloted as they are autonomous flying machines, so their control lies in the hands of the operators on the ground. Companies deploying drones can either operate remote controls manually or can have them fly autonomously through pre-programmed flight paths connected through onboard systems. Drones can also use additional devices and programs like sensors to improve efficiency and accuracy. They come in various shapes and sizes and have gained significant popularity as they are cost-effective and efficient in performing various tasks. The shipping industry has been deploying drones to perform container inspections, especially in the maritime sector at container depots and terminals. 

 

Benefits of drone-based container inspection  

The advantages of drone-based container inspection can be traced, particularly in port operations, logistics, and security. 

1. Reduces risk to life- Inspecting containers with hazardous goods in confined spaces or hard-to-reach areas due to tall stacks of containers prompts the risk of accidents and injuries to workers. Drone-based inspections minimise the need for manual inspections of shipping containers. 

2. Aerial view of containers- When done manually, inspections can only be performed from a certain angle and require additional resources for workers to inspect the rooftop and other spaces. Drones can fly as high as necessary and offer an aerial view of several containers simultaneously instead of manually examining each. 

3. Sensors- Drones have additional sensors, such as thermal cameras and gas detectors. It helps identify issues like temperature variations or gas leaks within containers in case of gaseous cargo. It also helps detect illegal activity, such as human trafficking, by thermally detecting human body temperatures in standard cargo containers. 

4. Cost and time saving- Traditional container inspections require a workforce that must be paid daily, while drones require only one one-time investment. The cost of investment in manual inspection is more than drone-based inspection. Moreover, due to time restraints, most containers may go uninspected if done manually. Drones can inspect a fleet of containers in a limited time and offer more accurate results. 

 

These are a few benefits of drone-based container inspection that have minimised the need for manual inspections and maximised operational efficiency. 

 

LOTUS Containers is a global seller of double doors, reefers, flat racks, and 53ft intermodal containers. We also lease all other types of shipping containers to cater to the differing client needs.