Shipping giant Maersk is collaborating with IoT connectivity specialists Onomondo to introduce OneWireless, the largest private network designed for maritime operations. This initiative essentially equips 450 of Maersk’s massive vessels with a high-speed, reliable mobile network, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling real-time data transmission.
Traditionally, maritime communication has relied on outdated 2G infrastructure, which, while dependable, falls short in meeting the data-intensive demands of modern IoT devices. With OneWireless, maritime communication is being transformed, allowing for advanced connectivity options such as NB-IoT, LTE-M, and standard LTE.
A crucial feature of this system is Onomondo’s software-defined IoT Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which serves as the network’s core intelligence, installed on each vessel to create a robust private 4G network. A major advantage of this local network is its ability to maintain connectivity despite interruptions in the ship’s main satellite link, thereby solving persistent communication “blind spots” that have hampered maritime operations.
Henrik Aagaard, CTO and Cofounder of Onomondo, emphasized that continuous LTE connectivity enables real-time data transmission across various environments, enhancing visibility for cargo monitoring and operational responsiveness. Furthermore, Onomondo’s system streamlines connectivity by providing a single network capable of adapting to both current 4G applications and future 5G technologies.
This setup allows devices to transition seamlessly between the ship’s private network and public land-based networks without manual intervention. This flexibility fosters a “Bring Your Own IoT Device” (BYOIoT) philosophy, which integrates diverse systems effortlessly.
Benefits of the OneWireless system include a local 4G core for each ship, the ability to switch networks with ease, support for SIM cards from various mobile operators, and enhanced security features. For Maersk, this marks not just a technological upgrade, but a new operational standard that enhances real-time cargo tracking and logistical efficiency.
The full implementation of OneWireless, scheduled from late 2024 through 2026, aims to make Maersk’s fleet smarter and more interconnected, positioning the company at the forefront of maritime innovation.