Maersk: Upgrading its Shipping Fleet with Nokia Private 4G
Maersk is turning to Nokia for an ambitious upgrade across its fleet, installing a private wireless network aboard 450 vessels as part of its OneWireless platform.
The new setup gives the Danish shipping company stronger, faster and more reliable connectivity for tracking cargo in real time.
The deal equips Maersk with a unified mobile network built on Nokia’s own technology stack, including its small cell radio hardware Shikra and MantaRay NM for network management.
With the platform already being rolled out and completion expected by the first quarter of 2026, it marks a major overhaul in how one of the world’s biggest logistics firms communicates with its cargo at sea.
Real-time cargo visibility gets a boost
A.P. Moller – Maersk, a global logistics company with operations in more than 130 countries, is now deploying its own digital connectivity platform across its entire owned fleet and over 100 chartered vessels.
Known as OneWireless, the system is designed to support thousands of IoT (Internet of Things) devices. These help track cargo conditions such as temperature and humidity - crucial for perishables like fruit - and feed back real-time data to Maersk and its customers.
“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,” says Kjeld Dittmann, Head of Vessel & Cargo Connectivity at Maersk.
Until now, Maersk’s 2G infrastructure limited how often data could be transmitted. Through its Captain Peter solution, customers were able to check reefer (refrigerated container) temperatures, but updates were limited in frequency. The shift to 4G expands that capability with more detailed and timely insights.
“This upgrade to our IoT infrastructure is comparable to the shift consumers experienced when moving from 2G to 4G mobile networks,” adds Kjeld.
“Just as that transition brought faster speeds, better connectivity and new possibilities for our everyday lives, the OneWireless platform transforms how it is possible to communicate with cargo aboard.”
Nokia supplies the tech
To support OneWireless, Maersk turns to Nokia for a fleet-wide solution that combines radio hardware and intelligent software. The network will run on Nokia’s compact baseband and Shikra Remote Radio Heads (RRH), all supported by custom-designed antennas. Each ship will feature a small core connected to the radio, with satellite links used for backhaul to connect the vessel to the internet.
Nokia’s MantaRay NM software gives Maersk a unified view of all connected systems from its operations centre. This visibility helps ensure constant monitoring and control, whether ships are at sea, in port or in transit on land. The ability to use both private and public networks enables a smoother data experience and future-proof scalability.
“Nokia’s technology leadership in private wireless goes far beyond just connectivity, as demonstrated by this major new contract with Maersk,” says Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.
“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.”
Nokia’s role in the platform is part of a larger collaboration with other technology partners, including Onomondo, Complea, 42com Sat and Zededa. These partnerships help ensure the platform integrates smoothly and can scale as Maersk expands or adapts to changing customer needs.
Built for scale and future trade
The OneWireless platform supports multiple wireless technologies, including NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things), Cat-M (a low-power wide area cellular technology) and LTE broadband. These technologies are standardised, allowing customers to bring their own IoT devices - what Maersk refers to as BYOIoT (Bring Your Own IoT) - and connect them without needing proprietary systems.
The upgrade fits within Maersk’s wider ambition to digitise and decarbonise its operations. The company is aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, which includes adopting cleaner technologies on its ships and in its logistics chains.
Hardware replacements are taking place during scheduled port calls to avoid disruption.
Once fully deployed, the network will give Maersk and its customers a comprehensive digital picture of cargo in motion, increasing operational control and transparency.
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