To ensure business success, all maritime operators need secure and reliable connectivity that allows them to track their vessels wherever they go. With this in mind, Ericsson and Net Feasa are partnering to deliver a competitive advantage in maritime connectivity using 4G, 5G, and agent-based artificial intelligence (AI).
The global communications technology giant and Internet of Things (IoT) service provider fundamentally believe that through their collaboration, high seas container shipping and the broader maritime industry can benefit from innovative real-time agent AI-based connectivity and monitoring capabilities.
They noted that the growing deployment of 5G at major ports shows how maritime supply chain services can benefit from connectivity through smart container fleets and individual vessels at sea.
Additionally, in maritime operations, even the slightest change in cargo condition can impact the supply chain, he said. This means that having reliable connectivity at sea and the analytical capabilities to understand the potential impact of any changes over long operational periods can lead to significant efficiency savings and, in the case of perishable goods, minimize waste and spoilage.
The partnership between Ericsson and Net Feasa will be based in Singapore’s maritime hub and aim to provide ship owners, shipping companies and port operators with real-time, end-to-end visibility of cargo from origin to destination port. They highlighted that the introduction of 4G/5G connectivity on container ships will provide AI-enabled agent data that will improve visibility of cargo, regardless of its location in the world’s oceans, and improve operational efficiency across the maritime industry.
Technically, the partnership is based on Net Feasa’s Agentic Control Tower, which the developer says is the only platform currently available that allows complete visibility of all smart-enabled containers onboard. Agent’s AI-enabled data layer is designed to enable proactive operations across the supply chain.
The system is designed to scale and connect thousands of assets per vessel for deployment around the world. It aims to provide shippers with so-called “flexible and future-proof connectivity” that can evolve with carriers’ digitalization strategies.
Use cases that are already being managed live at sea include reefer monitoring, hazardous material handling, and early detection of heat. The system is built to enable communication between assets and generate the critical data needed to respond to real-time alerts at any point in the voyage.
In addition to the monitoring, processing and detection capabilities already in operation, both companies have a roadmap for further use cases, including expanding connectivity between other types of ships and to ports. This further enables end-to-end SIM management visibility and data-driven operations across the connected maritime supply chain.
The onboard network is built using Ericsson Radio System products such as Radio 4490HP, Radio 2271, Radio Processor 6355 with enhanced AI capabilities, and Power 6309. Ericsson On-Demand aims to deliver 5G core as a service with worldwide international roaming running on the public cloud. Backhaul connectivity between the ship and the core network is achieved using low orbit satellites.
Andres Vicente, head of South East Asia, Oceania and India at Ericsson, assessed what he believes the partnership can achieve, asserting that both companies are establishing a foundation for data-driven operations and AI-enabled services from ship to shore: Alongside Feasa, we are bringing onboard 4G and 5G cellular networks to container fleets around the world…The scope of what we can achieve across the global shipping industry is enormous, starting with container ships. Together, we are shaping the future of connected and intelligent shipping.”
Net Mike Fitzgerald, Chairman and Founder of Feasa, said: “The digitalization of the intermodal supply chain is at a tipping point. With the advent of agent AI, we can collect data from everything we move, analyze and protect this data, and help carriers operate “This groundbreaking partnership has the potential to transform the global maritime industry, not only from an operational efficiency perspective, but also from an employee safety, cargo risk mitigation and compliance perspective.”
