Vertical: Shipping
Application: Real-time cargo tracking, temperature monitoring for refrigerated containers, enhanced supply chain visibility
Ecosystem: Nokia, 42com Sat, Complea, Zededa, Onomondo,
Private Network: LTE
Danish shipping giant Maersk is charting new waters in maritime technology with the deployment of an ambitious private network system across its fleet. The initiative, called OneWireless, represents a major shift from legacy 2G infrastructure to modern LTE capabilities for its vessels. This major digital innovation is being implemented across 450 ships, including all Maersk-owned vessels and more than 100 time-chartered vessels in their fleet.
The OneWireless platform addresses critical communications challenges that have long plagued maritime operations. The system creates a resilient private LTE environment that remains fully functional even when satellite connectivity is unavailable, effectively eliminating communication blind spots that have traditionally limited maritime IoT capabilities.
For customers, this technological upgrade promises substantial benefits. Through Maersk’s existing Captain Peter solution, customers can already monitor temperatures of refrigerated cargo, but the current 2G infrastructure limits update frequency. The shift to LTE enables more granular data collection and sets the foundation for smarter cargo tracking.
Kjeld Dittmann, who leads vessel and cargo connectivity at Maersk, provides perspective on the scale of this transition. He compares this infrastructure upgrade to the shift consumers experienced when moving from 2G to 4G mobile networks, highlighting how it transforms communication with cargo at sea.
The technical architecture behind OneWireless represents a collaborative effort across multiple technology providers. Danish firm Onomondo appears to be central to the implementation, providing the private LTE core network that will be deployed on each vessel.
Nokia’s contribution focuses on the radio equipment essential for wireless connectivity. Their solution includes Shikra Remote Radio Heads, compact baseband units, and custom-designed antennas. Each vessel will have a small core connected to the radio, with satellite communication providing backhaul connectivity.
US-based Zededa adds crucial edge computing capabilities to the system. Their platform enables Maersk to remotely deploy and manage applications across their fleet from a centralized control point, eliminating the need for technical staff on every vessel.
The implementation showcases Maersk’s practical approach to digital transformation. Hardware installation is being conducted during scheduled port calls to minimize operational disruption, with full deployment expected by the first quarter of 2026.
Looking beyond immediate operational improvements, the OneWireless platform incorporates forward-thinking design elements. It supports multiple wireless technologies including NB-IoT, Cat-M, and LTE broadband, while also providing an upgrade path to 5G and interoperability with public networks.
This interoperability extends to customer integration as well. The solution enables Bring Your Own IoT (BYOIoT) capabilities based on industry standards, allowing Maersk’s customers to seamlessly integrate their own IoT devices and services.
