Oceans go mobile

Maersk Line, the world’s largest shipping company and a part of th A.P. Moller - Maersk Group (OMX: MAERSK A, OMX: MAERSK B) has appointed Ericsson (OMX: ERIC B, NASDAQ: ERIC) to address mobile communication on the oceans. Ericsson is to introduce end-to-end systems integration and deployment of mobile and satellite communication to Maersk Line’s entire fleet of over 500 container vessels.

The majority of the vessels will be outfitted with Ericsson antennas and GSM base stations within the next two years. The technique is an integrated maritime mobile and very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite solution. Ericsson will provide global support services, including network monitoring and onboard maintenance services on numerous ports for at least seven years from the start.

Until now ocean fleet has had to rely on satellite connection for key functions. Mobile connection should open up a wide range of potential improvements in fleet management, delivery times communication, problem solving and so forth. Maersk Line believes this will contribute to a more efficient running of their fleet.