Maersk to deploy private wireless for real-time cargo tracking

Maersk has signed a contract with Nokia for its OneWireless solution, which includes benefits ranging from real-time cargo tracking, enhanced supply chain visibility, and improved operational efficiency.

The unified mobile network powered by Nokia’s radio portfolio is designed to support numerous IoT devices and secure interoperability between private and public networks, ensuring Maersk customers’ cargo is reliably monitored at sea, port, or land. This is especially important for tracking parameters such as temperature and humidity for fruit and other perishables.

“With our next-generation connectivity platform, we will be able to offer our customers notable benefits, including real-time cargo tracking, enhanced supply chain visibility, and improved operational efficiency. This platform is designed to support thousands of IoT devices, ensuring optimal performance for reefer tracking and fleet IoT,” said Maersk head of vessel and cargo connectivity Kjeld Dittmann.

“Nokia’s technology leadership in private wireless goes far beyond just connectivity, as demonstrated by this major new contract with Maersk. Our Radio Access portfolio and MantaRay network management solution will deliver reliable, real-time, and future-ready mobile networks that will optimise Maersk’s marine operations. We look forward to working collaboratively with them on this important project,” said Nokia president of mobile networks Tommi Uitto.

The solution leverages Nokia’s small cells portfolio, including Nokia Shikra Remote Radio Heads and compact baseband, along with custom-designed antennas. Each vessel has a small core connected to the radio, utilising satellite communication for backhaul. Additionally, Nokia’s intelligent network management system, MantaRay NM, located in Maersk’s operations centre, provides a consolidated network view for optimal monitoring and management.

The deployment is underway and is expected to be completed by Q1 2026.