Copenhagen, Denmark – Onomondo, the global IoT connectivity provider delivering simple, secure, and operator-agnostic cellular solutions, has successfully deployed the world’s largest private IoT LTE network at sea in partnership with A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk). The rollout of the new platform covers 450 vessels in the Maersk fleet, and is designed to meet the increasing demand for real-time data transmission and provide advanced IoT capabilities.
This industry-first deployment replaces 2G infrastructure with modern LTE capabilities, enabling frictionless, high-speed IoT connectivity that supports NB-IoT, LTE-M, and LTE technologies. The result is a foundational upgrade to maritime communications—paving the way for more advanced, data-driven operations on every voyage, as recently announced by Maersk.
A critical component of this platform is Onomondo’s software-defined IoT Evolved Packet Core (EPC) connectivity platform, installed locally aboard 450 vessels in the Maersk fleet, including 100 time-chartered vessels. This onboard core network creates a resilient, private LTE environment that remains fully operational even when satellite connectivity is unavailable, eliminating communication blind spots that have long held back the potential of maritime IoT with new efficiency and innovation.
“We’re supporting continuous LTE connectivity at sea,” said Henrik Aagaard, CTO and Co-founder at Onomondo. “Maersk’s solution enables real-time data transmission across land, ports, and sea with this new LTE network. Continuous connectivity means granular visibility, enabling Maersk’s customers to monitor cargo conditions, optimize operations, and respond to changing circumstances with agility.”
Unlike traditional maritime setups that rely on complex coordination across multiple systems, Onomondo provides a single network supporting LTE, LTE-M, and NB-IoT—with a future-ready path to 5G IoT technologies—helping simplify connectivity across Maersk’s global operations. Devices can automatically and securely switch between the vessel’s private LTE network and public terrestrial LTE networks without SIM swaps or manual reconfiguration—reducing friction and complexity at scale.
This flexibility positions Onomondo uniquely as a maritime MNO, capable of accepting inbound roaming from global telecom providers and truly embracing a “Bring Your Own IoT Device” (BYOIoT) model at sea.
Key technical highlights of the new platform:
- Software-defined LTE core network onboard: An entire at-sea LTE core deployed locally across 450 vessels in the Maersk fleet, ensuring continuous IoT operation regardless of satellite communications.
- Hybrid private/public connectivity: SIM cards roam smoothly between private onboard networks and public terrestrial LTE networks spanning nearly 700 operators globally.
- Inbound roaming & BYOIoT: Supports third-party SIMs from global MNOs, improving onboard device flexibility and interoperability.
- Enhanced security and visibility: LTE’s robust two-way authentication protocols provide superior security and reliability compared to legacy systems such as 2G.
For Maersk, the platform unlocks a new standard of IoT performance at sea—delivering real-time cargo tracking, enhanced supply chain visibility, and smarter vessel operations across a fleet. This shift from 2G to 4G connectivity marks a foundational upgrade in how data is captured and used, transforming maritime logistics with continuous insights and greater operational agility.
“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,” says Kjeld Dittmann, Head of Vessel & Cargo Connectivity at Maersk.
Onomondo forms part of the technological ecosystem that comprises the new platform with other key solutions from Nokia, 42com Sat, Complea, and ZEDEDA. The rollout began in late 2024 and will continue into 2026, with installations timed during scheduled port stops to avoid disruption.
Once fully deployed, this will serve as a key IoT infrastructure for Maersk’s connected fleet—enabling new possibilities for end-to-end cargo visibility at a global scale.
