Maersk line, Ericsson partner on mobile connectivity, managed service

WORLD's largest shipping company, Maersk Line, has appointed Ericsson in a move that would see it bring mobile connectivity to the oceans. Ericsson will address this by introducing end-to-end systems integration and deployment of mobile and satellite communication to its entire vessel fleet.The Maersk Line fleet comprises more than 500 container vessels. Over the next two years, Maersk Line will outfit 400 of these vessels with Ericsson antennas and GSM base stations, with upgrades to be made to the remaining vessels soon after.As part of the agreement, Ericsson would provide seven years of global managed services support, including 24/7 network monitoring and onboard maintenance services in a large number of ports across all major regions.'We're proud to be able to connect Maersk Line's fleet with our technology. We believe in a networked society, where connectivity will only be the starting point for new ways of innovating, collaborating and socialising. The result will be automated and simplified processes, higher productivity, real-time information allowing quicker, more informed decision-making and problem solving,' said Hans Vestberg, president and CEO of Ericsson.Vestberg noted that for the shipping industry, mobile communication provided the opportunity to employ new and efficient ways of addressing fleet management, managing delivery times, improving interaction with vessels, enabling proactive issue resolution and prompt information sharing with customers and even improving energy efficiency.Until now, Maersk Line's high-tech modern container ships have been equipped with satellite connectivity primarily intended to support communication for vital shipboard functions.
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