Every year, the cargo shipping industry transfers 160 million containers across the world's seas, but improper lashing remains the primary cause of container accidents and losses, accounting for 20% of all incidents and posing severe safety and environmental threats. Various human, environmental and mechanical reasons apply, but they all share a common pain point - the lack of feedback during mounting, monitoring and maintenance of securing gear.

FLIR Tether Solutions (FLIR-TS) are tracking devices improving safety and efficiency of currently time-consuming, labor-intensive and error-prone lashing operations on cargo ships. Through an adaptable clamping system, each unit permanently attaches to mechanical securing gear of various sizes. Direct contact allows embedded strain gauge sensors to constantly measure the lashing's required tension by monitoring its deformation. The objective system provides instant LED feedback to indicate correct tightening during loading in ports, along with remote monitoring and predictive environmental analysis at sea. This physical and digital bundle empowers the crew to take precautions and act immediately on proactive alerts in the event of loosening, as well as following regular maintenance schedules and gain detailed insights. FLIR-TS reimagine manual workflows, freeing up capacities and minimizing reliance on subjective inspections. By turning this previously invisible aspect of cargo safety into precise, reliable and actionable real-time data, these devices help to simplify and standardize critical measures.

Providing preventive feedback.

Improper lashing remains the primary cause of container accidents and losses. A driving factor for this is that due to the small crews but high loading capacities of up to 24,346 containers per ship, thorough manual inspection of containers 1-2 times per day has become unrealistic in today's cargo shipping industry. The current method of only periodically checking the lashing gear in port and at sea rarely involves tensioning tests and often only consists of a brief visual inspection or striking the lashing with a metal rod to estimate tension by sound.

FLIR-TS reimagine the vulnerable lashing process by infusing technology into the critical task of securing and inspecting containers. They transform the mechanical lashing gear itself into a smart, connected sensor proactively providing live feedback on its status and alerting crew members on-site and remotely in case of potential safety risks. Additionally, the digital platform contributes by incorporating parameters like shipping routes, environmental data as well as electronic maintenance schedules, enabling direct preventive measures, long-term analytics and extending equipment lifespans. This enhances both safety and operational efficiency at scale and reveals its potential the higher the shipping load becomes.

Fit for purpose.

FLIR-TS directly respond to the operational needs in maritime environments and emphasize innovation, reliability and safety. The rugged and compact body is made from casted steel in a corrosion-resistant coating and durable composites suitable for the marine setting, ensuring to withstand saltwater, sunlight, temperatures and air exposure to maintain performance over time. Dark colors expose visible traces of wear, but blend with the surroundings and highlight indicative, high-contrast colors such as LEDs and watermarked safety labels. Matt finish and detail treatment emphasize its robust, technical and performant expression.

The basic product structure is divided into the centered main unit and two extensions, modified with a grip pattern for tight hold. They are interchangeable to stay compatible with different lashing diameters and ensure quick installation. This design also allows forces to be transferred most accurately to the strain gauge sensors integrated into the rear wall and considers the limited space available.

Grouping all smart but low-cost components creates the intended visual separation between a rugged shell and a protected removable core. It includes the PCB and a durable 3000mAh battery ensuring long-term operation without frequent replacements or charges. Equipped with internal storage and RFID technology as indicated on the front, enables for electronically authorized maintenance. By exposing the core towards the top, the LEDs' visual cues remain easy to read from all angles and users' heights, even in noisy and busy environments, also indicating the Z-Wave 900 MHz radio unit for receiving and sending data.

Empowering shipping crews.

FLIR-TS empower end-users with the tools to perform their roles with greater operational efficiency, safety for crew and cargo, as well as personal confidence, by adding precision and reliability to the process. By transforming guessing into continuous accurate readings and proactive communication, users are able to make informed decisions, ensuring that safety and compliance standards are consistently met and actively reducing the risk of container accidents. Additionally, the lashing process becomes faster, enabling operators to handle more cargo in less time. This creates a more fulfilling work environment, where the crew feels confident in their abilities, providing them with a sense of control and contribution to the vessel's safety and operational excellence.

FLIR-TS reduce the dependency on the repetitive, strenuous and dangerous requirement of manually and subjectively checking tens of thousands of lashings with limited personnel daily, thereby giving peace of mind by making control and visibility over lashing manageable. They reduce the extensive physical and mental workload, freeing up capacities by requiring personnel only when really needed.

The system's user-friendliness makes it accessible regardless of the user's technical background and blends seamlessly into existing workflows. Easy-to-interpret signals and messages guide the international crews, reducing any hurdles. Once permanently attached, the robust and low-maintenance design withstands the harsh marine environment, reducing lashing downtime and the frequency of replacements. The solution unlocks new capabilities by taking into consideration varying environmental conditions, previous insights and making predictions.

Environmental and economic responsibility.

With the International Maritime Organization (IMO/UN) setting new industry goals for cargo shipping, such as joint efforts against cargo loss from September 2024 and the reduction of carbon emissions by 2030 of at least 40%, it signals a clear directive towards innovation and the adoption of sustainable practices. Meeting these targets is not just a regulatory mandate but a pressing necessity for the industry, drawing attention from regulatory bodies and the public alike. FLIR-TS take a proactive stance, setting new standards that strive for greater sustainable responsibility, ensuring compliance with existing and impending maritime safety regulations.

Considering that containers often carry various unsustainable and potentially hazardous materials, are manufactured with different alloys and coated with environmentally harmful paints, losing goods becomes an ecological disaster, having direct influence on marine ecosystems. FLIR-TS contribute to societal well-being by enhancing maritime safety, reducing the risk of environmental pollution from lost cargo and damaged vessels as well as promoting responsible and resource-saving shipping practices.

The shipping industry's current environmental footprint is undeniable, yet its integral role in the global economy cannot be overstated, acting as its lifeline by moving the vast majority of all trade. This includes everything from essential commodities and manufactured goods to supporting the global energy sector. Given the predicted tripling of trade volumes by 2050, it is crucial to significantly improve and avoid scaling up known issues. In this context, FLIR-TS support the efficiency of global shipping, which contributes to the stability of supply chains, crucial for economic resilience and access to goods worldwide.

Scalable and cost-effective.

In a market that values innovation and reliability, FLIR-TS provide clients with a tangible advantage by leveraging technology for continuous improvement in maritime safety, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The industry currently suffers an estimated annual loss of 327 million dollars in goods value due to containers going overboard, not including the severe personnel, marine ecological, material and reputational damage. By actively reducing incidents and direct consequences, clients can instead strengthen reputation and customer trust by taking a proactive approach to risk mitigation. This creates market differentiation and aligns with global trends towards more responsible and transparent supply chains.

From a business perspective, FLIR-TS lead to significant cost savings by preventing cargo damage and loss, reduced insurance premiums, decreased operational costs and enhanced service reliability. The system easily integrates as being added instead of replacing existing gear and enhances current workflows instead of overhauling them. It also enables for proactive maintenance and upkeep by facilitating electronic maintenance schedules, standardizing care for existing and new lashing equipment and extending its lifespan.

With its adaptable design, durable construction and low-cost components, FLIR-TS become scalable and cost-effective, offering high value per unit. Long-term monitoring, predictive analytics and an overview over large fleets provide valuable insights into lashing operations, allowing for continuous improvement of practices and strategic decision-making. With regulatory trends towards increased safety and transparency in maritime logistics, FLIR-TS create market resilience. They support shipping companies in complying with various national and international safety regulations to ensure operational legitimacy by providing standardized data.