Keeping track of deliveries

Watch this short video to learn more about how the satellite track and trace technology works and the benefits it offers supplier and customer alike.

The delivery of chemicals by rail can involve long journeys through both remote and built-up areas, and sometimes across congested rail networks, making journey times unpredictable. Monitoring these journeys is increasingly important as a result of a greater focus on security and increased regulatory activity.

"The EO industry already has a good transport safety record but it is expected that the movement of hazardous chemicals will be increasingly controlled by tighter regulations," says Herman Woltjes, Logistics Developments Projects Manager for Europe.

"We want to be ahead of the game, by putting in place systems to reassure regulators and the public that we have taken appropriate measures to manage and control risks."

Shell Chemicals is introducing satellite tracking systems that enable the movement of individual EO rail tank cars (RTCs) to be monitored in real-time for the entire duration of the delivery. The GPS (Global Positioning System) based system is being introduced across fleets of EO rail tank cars (RTCs) in Europe and North America during 2008.

"Satellite-based tracking brings transparency to the logistics rail transport network, enabling us to locate the exact position of RTCs, and check the condition of the product in them, at a moment's notice," explains Woltjes.

The project involves fitting sensors and GPS units to nearly 300 tank cars. The sensors capture data on parameters such as product temperature and pressure, tamper and impact evidence, while the GPS units transmit this data along with position coordinates back to a monitoring base station.

"Software translates the data into accessible information on the product and tank car condition and allows us to plot and track its position on a map," explains Woltjes. "Customers will be able to access information on their deliveries via a secure login, allowing them to plan for the arrival and unloading of deliveries."

Herman de Jongste, ethylene oxide/glycols Business Manager for Europe says customer reaction to RTC tracking has been very positive. "Customers see the operational value of being able to closely monitor the progress of deliveries right up to, and in some cases inside, their fenceline."

"It has potential to help them better manage material handling so that, for instance, they don't incur unnecessary charges as a result of empty RTCs remaining onsite for extended periods."

Sheri Roberts-Updike, ethylene oxide/glycols Business Manager for the Americas, says: "The introduction of the GPS track and trace technology is an important enhancement of our product stewardship. "It will be key to future compliance with pending US legislation that will require us to be able to provide the exact location of product during emergency scenarios or at times of elevated security levels."

Key facts:

- Nearly 300 rail tank cars in Europe and North America are being equipped with satellite tracking equipment.

- The use of GPS technology offers the ability to 'interrogate' a RTC remotely.

- Rail deliveries can take up to two weeks in some regions due to the distances involved. 

This feature was added to the Innovations section in July 2008

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