The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is launching xChange, a web-based marketplace to effectively and environmentally reduce costs and emissions for shipping companies. It will make the repositioning of empty containers across the globe, cheaper and easier.
According to BCG analysis, moving empty shipping containers costs US$15 to $20 billion annually and generates up to 19 million tonnes of carbon dioxide globally. BCG believes that xChange will greatly increase the number of container exchanges among logistics companies and reduce the movement of empty containers by as much as 30 per cent.
The platform will provide end-to-end functionality and enable the direct exchange of containers and other equipment between market participants, such as container liners and other logistics companies. It was officially launched on November 17.
"The main goal in developing BCG's container xChange is to facilitate exchanges of idle equipment between ocean carriers, container leasing companies, intermodal operators, and other logistics companies," said Ulrik Sanders, a Copenhagen-based partner at BCG and the global leader of the firm's transportation and logistics practice.
The system has been undergoing trials by twenty major global container carriers and leading leasing companies.