Ericsson and Net Feasa Launch 5G IoT Connectivity for Container Ships

Key Takeaways

Ericsson and Net Feasa are partnering to enhance 4G and 5G IoT connectivity on container ships from Singapore.
The system will provide real-time cargo visibility and monitoring, improving asset management at sea and in ports.
Initial deployments include refrigerated container tracking and plans to expand to other shipping sectors.

Partnership Overview

Ericsson and Net Feasa have formed a strategic partnership to deploy advanced 4G and 5G IoT connectivity systems on container vessels. This innovative approach integrates onboard mobile networks with satellite backhaul and artificial intelligence (AI)-ready data systems, enhancing cargo visibility throughout the shipping process.

Developed from Singapore, a key maritime hub, this initiative targets vessel owners and shipping companies, aiming to provide port operators with improved access to cargo data from the initial departure point to the destination port. According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), maritime transport is crucial, accounting for over 80% of global merchandise trade by volume.

Focus on Container Shipping
The Ericsson-Net Feasa partnership specifically addresses the container shipping segment, which is expected to see a modest growth of 1.4% in containerized trade by 2025. Recent data indicates that average shipping distances have increased significantly, posing new challenges for route management. The new system aims to support cargo monitoring while vessels are in transit, not just when docked at ports.

Cutting-Edge Technology Deployment

The deployment leverages Ericsson’s Radio System products and its On-Demand 5G core network, while Net Feasa will contribute its Agentic Control Tower platform for data collection and analysis. This platform is designed to enhance security across maritime operations.

Net Feasa, being a licensed Mobile Network Operator, will install compact radio access systems on vessels to optimize space and power without compromising performance. Key components include the Radio 4490HP, Radio 2271, and the Radio Processor 6355, which boasts enhanced AI capabilities. The onboard systems are built to operate across various frequency bands tailored for different regions.

Connectivity will be significantly enhanced through Low Earth Orbit satellite systems, ensuring seamless communication even when vessels are away from port coverage.

Current Use Cases

Initial deployments of the new platform are already underway, with live use cases encompassing monitoring of refrigerated containers, handling dangerous goods, and early heat detection. The insights gained from these systems allow maritime operators to oversee real-time conditions inside temperature-controlled containers effectively.

DHL Global Forwarding projects a substantial increase in reefer container volumes from 4 million TEU in 2023 to 7.1 million TEU by 2030, fueled by sectors such as pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.

Strategic Outlook

Andres Vicente, Ericsson’s Head of Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India, emphasized the importance of secure and reliable connectivity for maritime operators that extends wherever vessels travel. The partnership aims to provide modern cellular networks for container fleets and establish a data-driven framework for AI-enabled services.

Mike Fitzgerald, Chairman of Net Feasa, noted that the digitalization of the intermodal supply chain is crucial and that agentic AI will facilitate comprehensive data analysis from moving assets. Future plans involve extending these systems beyond container vessels to other shipping sectors and port environments, with a roadmap that ensures SIM-managed visibility across maritime supply chains.

Overall, this partnership marks a significant step toward the digital transformation of maritime operations, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of international shipping.

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