Carrier Transicold improves the BlueEdgeTM program with the VCT platform

The Vessel Control Tower (VCT) platform, designed for management by exception’, minimises manual reefer monitoring, utilises cellular and long-range technology, and can be installed on any container vessel within four hours with minimal cabling. 

Carrier Transicold has enhanced its BlueEdgeTM Partner Program with a platform that complements Carrier’s LynxTM Fleet telematics for real-time remote monitoring of container refrigeration units and other connected assets onboard ships. Carrier Transicold is part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. 

The Vessel Control Tower (VCT) platform, offered through the BluEdge reseller channel, maintains network coverage at sea by providing ship personnel with an overview of all linked assets onboard, whether Carrier Transicold units or not, as well as assets other than container refrigeration units. This works in collaboration with Lynx Fleet, which assists refrigerated transporters in maintaining compliance and accountability for perishable foods and medications. 

The VCT platform supports the ‘management by exception’ operating ethos, displaying notifications and alerts for onboard connected assets via an intuitive vessel bayplan user interface. This minimizes the need for seafarers to perform laborious and often dangerous manual reefer monitoring walks.  

VCT’s technology provides full sight of connected assets for both crew members and onshore personnel in real-time, and its unique versatility represents a breakthrough in supply chain management by supporting: 

A fleet view that includes both chilled units and telematics devices. A mixed-asset perspective (refrigerated units, dry boxes, generators, etc.) with a telematics device. Asset view for a partner shipping line (with data exchange agreement).

Tan Bor Yow, Senior Channel Manager, BluEdge, Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold, said, “VCT fills a crucial coverage gap encountered during extended voyages at sea and, when used in conjunction with Carrier’s Lynx Fleet telematics solution, enables complete end-to-end remote monitoring of connected assets, thus eliminating the need to manually check on container conditions.” “This ensures optimal cargo safety, cost reductions, and operational efficiency throughout the voyage and represents a leap in supply chain management.” 

The platform works with cellular and long-range technology, and it transports data to the cloud without the need for APIs. It uses a cost-effective, dedicated satellite terminal and service to enable near-real-time monitoring on land or at the main office. The VCT system hardware can be easily retrofitted to existing equipment and can be installed on any container vessel within four hours with minimal cabling by an authorised BluEdge Partner.