F A Q
Smart Contract, NFT and Crypto
A blockchain is a digital technology that acts as a decentralized ledger. It records and stores information in a series of blocks, forming a chain-like structure. Each block contains data that is linked to the previous block making it tamper-resistant, immutable and secure. This technology is often used to create trust and enable secure peer to peer transactions without the need of 3rd parties.
Smart contracts are self-executing digital contracts that automate and enforce the terms of an agreement without the need for intermediaries. They are built on blockchain technology and operate based on predefined and mutually agreed rules and conditions. Once these conditions are met, the smart contract automatically executes the agreed-upon actions, such as transferring ownership, making payments, or other events triggered by the smart contract. Smart contracts enable secure, inexpensive, transparent, and efficient transactions, reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing trust in digital interactions. Smart contracts work most effectively when a specific pattern of „if this happens, then do that“ is a repetitive sequence.
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets that represent ownership or proof of authenticity of a particular item or piece of content on the blockchain. They are unique, indivisible, irreplaceable verifiable, tradable and counterfeit-proof and they can serve as a representative for a real object. Representing these traits, a container NFT can be handled and operated just as the real world asset but with all the benefits and efficiencies of the digital world.
A cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that doesn’t rely on a central bank and is not controlled by any single authority. It is built on the blockchain, which makes transactions transparent and unchangeable. Cryptocurrencies have versatile uses, including being specifically designed for a particular platform where they can be used to pay for services and transactions within that platform only. This creates a self-contained system where the cryptocurrency and the platform work together harmoniously for a specific purpose.
Every real world container will be equipped with an inexpensive NFC tag. An NFC tag is a small electronic device that can store and transmit information wirelessly, often used for contactless payments or data transfer between devices. Our NFC tags are encrypted, tamper proof and secure and serve the purpose to bridge the real world Container to the Blockchain enabling instant confirmation and proof of ownership and authenticity.
When dealing with digital assets to represent real-world assets, it is crucial to ensure that the „on-chain“ or digital twin data matches the „off-chain“ or real-world data at all times. For example, if the status of a container changes from „damaged“ to „available“ in the real world, this change must be accurately and promptly reflected in the on-chain or digital twin data. Furthermore, it is essential that the transparency of this information is such that all relevant parties can trust the transfer of „off chain“ to „on chain“ information. Certain companies specialize in addressing this very challenge: How can we effectively bring off-chain data onto the blockchain in a manner that gains consensus among all parties interacting with this data? These companies are known as Oracles. CT Container will identify and collaborate closely with such Oracles.
Shipping Container Market
There are around 50 Million container currently worldwide with the number ever increasing. The number of Containers are typically given in TEU which means Twenty foot equivalent unit. A twenty foot Container is the typical standard container that can be seen on vessels, trucks or the railroad. The other most common size of a Container is the 40 foot container. A forty foot container counts for 2 TEU.
There is a wide variety of container types available, ranging in the hundreds. Among them, the most prevalent and recognizable are known as „dry van containers.“ These are the standard steel boxes that can be commonly observed in various locations. Typically, they come in lengths of 20 or 40 feet. In addition to dry van containers, it’s worth mentioning other notable types such as reefer containers (used for temperature-controlled goods), tank containers (designed for transporting liquids), and open-top containers. However, numerous other container types exist, each serving specific purposes and catering to specialized needs.
The container price is very volatile and is highly dependent on the steel price and general supply and demand. As a rule of thumb it can be said that a standard twenty foot dry van container cost round about 2.300 USD and 2.900 USD. A forty foot Container is typically calculated with a multiplier of 1.65 of the twenty foot unit. But as mentioned before, new build prices are highly volatile and can change significantly within months.
There are three main segments in the market of container owners: shipping lines, container leasing companies, and container trading companies, with the latter being by far the smallest. Shipping lines and container leasing companies account for over 95% of the total container ownership globally. The top 20 shipping and leasing companies collectively possess and manage approximately 90% of the global container market.
The global production of new containers varies from year to year depending on factors such as economic conditions, trade volumes, and industry demand. However, as a rough estimate, an average of around 3 to 4 million new containers are produced annually. Just as the price of each unit this number can fluctuate significantly.
China is the dominant player in the manufacturing of standard dry containers, with approximately 95% of all containers being produced in various factories across China. These factories cater to the global demand for containers, supplying shipping lines, leasing companies, and other stakeholders in the container industry worldwide. The country’s expertise and capacity in container production contribute significantly to the international shipping and logistics sector.
The container shipping market operates with a high level of standardization worldwide. This is achieved through organizations like the International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL), International Commercial Terms (Incoterms), and adherence to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) norms. The IICL sets guidelines, ensuring quality and maintenance standards are met. Incoterms provide a standardized framework for international trade transactions, defining responsibilities and obligations. ISO norms establish container dimensions, structural requirements, and performance criteria. This ensures compatibility and seamless international transportation across countries and modes. Additionally, digitalization is gaining traction, enabling a digital record of container actions for enhanced transparency and efficiency.
Allthough Containers are th most standardized indystry good and many Containers hold the same specifications, eahc Container is has it’s unique Prefix and number. The Prefix consits of a 4 letter code that is linked ot the Company that produced the Container. The Prefix is followed by a 6 digit number and a check digit. While the number is freely chosen, the check digit is calculated by a mathematical formular calculated from the 6 digit number. the combination of Prefix, Number and check digit makes every Container number unique. This makes a Container the perfect match for NFT and Blockcahin Technology.
CT Container Platform
CT Container aims to create a platform that uses blockchain technology to enable shipping containers to autonomously carry out 80% of their standard operational, financial, and shipment-related tasks.
CT Container plans to represent each individual container as an NFT on the blockchain. Each NFT will have it’s own wallet (like its own bank account) and will interact directly and autonomously with smart contracts to carry out standardized tasks.
CT Container will provide container owners a decentralized, open platform to create and use blockchain technology, NFT, and smart contract services that result in enhanced control, higher efficiency, human error reduction, elevated trust and revenue opportunities for managing container assets.
NFTs provide unique digital twins of containers on the blockchain with embedded information and contracts. They enable secure management of funds, facilitate secure and cheap transfer of funds, and are the hub for a container to act and move freely and efficiently in the digital space.
CT Container’s native token is used as the platform’s fuel for interactions between NFTs and smart contracts. It is a pure utility token. Each interaction incurs a cost of USD 0.1 in native tokens, ensuring predictable costs irrespective of token price fluctuations.
Tokens used within NFTs gradually return to the custody of CT Container. These returned tokens are allocated for liquidity pools, centralized exchanges, and platform funding purposes.
Among other things, CT Container’s NFT technology allows for an unlimited number of NFTs within a single master NFT and it can securely store contractual and operational information. It is connected to and NFC tag to bridge the real world asset to the digital, blockchain world. It facilitates advanced functionality, streamlined processes, and new avenues for value creation in the container industry.
The Platform targets everyone that owns and operates Shipping Containers.
There are many companies that focus on freight related tasks and Container tracking. The operation of the Container itself often is neglected and except for a few experts it lives in the shadows. CT Container want to offer solutions to this niche, but yet enormous market.
The crypto and blockchain industry is very innovative and is moving at a very fast pace. At the time of publishing, we have not come across another company that focuses on providing solutions to the Container Owner Industry. CT Container is the first mover in this space.
Our solutions leverage smart contracts and NFTs to transform and fully digitize container management. Through automation and secure fund management, we streamline ownership transfers and payment processes, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. We create immutable digital twins by connecting physical containers to digital platforms. We unlock new opportunities for trading, leasing, and Container operation in general and ad value to Containers. Additionally, our solutions ensure secure data sharing, collaboration, and foster innovation in the shipping industry. With our platform, we make an offer to Container owners to a new way to operate and handle containers, paving the way to an Area of truly smart Containers, unparalleled efficiency, and new business models.