How does the ECT view the innovative container that Cargoshell plans to bring to the market?
We think it’s an interesting development. With our automated terminal, the first in the world, we have always been a trendsetter in the market. Having this type of mentality means that we are also interested in following the progress of innovative parties in the market.

What do you consider the main benefits of the Cargoshell container?
The container is lighter then the present container; that’s an essential benefit for us and for other parties. They are collapsible, which isn’t very important to ECT but is important from a logistical viewpoint. This applies especially to inland transport: with a collapsible container transporting empty containers becomes viable. A third point is sustainability, for which I also see prospects.

Is the market open to innovations?
Yes, the sector is taking increasing interest in them. We realise that certain logistics need to be carried out differently – and I don’t mean marine logistics, but in particular the inland aspect. Despite the economic crisis we expect a sharp increase in inland container transport and that transport will have to be carried out sustainably, efficiently and on a large scale. I see opportunities for Cargoshell if the concept is introduced effectively.

How do you convince market parties?
The steel container has of course functioned superbly for many years. There are nevertheless several areas in which the existing container rates less well. I regard an improvement in sustainability as a particular opportunity. I’m talking about the environment, the carbon footprint, but sustainability is also of vital importance for the sector in another sense as well: sustainable in the sense of robust and long lasting. Huge forces are exerted on containers. They are stacked ten deep on board ship. They have to withstand force 9 or 10 winds on the high seas. They mustn’t be too expensive and they have to last a long time. Cargoshell containers have to be suitable for everyday use and must be robust. That will be the first proof of efficacy.

Which parties can take the lead in introducing the product to the market successfully?
You have to start with those companies that buy containers. They are the most important – the shipping companies and container leasing companies. That’s the best place to begin. If Cargoshell is genuinely more sustainable, in other words more environmentally friendly, than a steel container, the shippers for whom the carbon footprint also plays a role will come into the picture. For example, the major business-to-consumer shippers who feel pressure from the market; they are being forced to operate in a greener and more sustainable manner. Cargoshell must take advantage of this and prove that the new container is more sustainable and can be supplied at competitive prices, because of course the economic aspect carries a lot of weight as well.

What will your recommendation be when Cargoshell has been certified?
My advice is to ensure that a few containers are made available for testing in everyday practice. Put containers on ships and have them transported. Testing the robustness and benefits in practice will be the most persuasive evidence.

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