Maersk Upgrades Reefer Fleet Connectivity With Next-Generation IoT

AP Moller-Maersk is replacing internet-of-things devices across its refrigerated container fleet to improve remote monitoring of cargo condition and container performance. The operator has retrofitted around 30 percent of its reefer fleet by the start of July 2026, as part of a programme spanning 450 vessels. The upgrade transitions the fleet from ageing 2G infrastructure to 4G technology, significantly increasing data granularity for cold chain customers who depend on reliable, real-time visibility of their cargo.

 

Scope of the Upgrade Programme

 

Maersk is around one-third of the way through its device replacement programme. The company is retrofitting internet-of-things devices across its reefer vessel fleet. By the start of July 2026, it had upgraded around 30 percent of the reefer fleet. The programme aims to improve remote monitoring of cargo condition and container performance. This positions the upgrade as a substantial fleet-wide modernisation effort.

The scale of the roll-out reflects the size of Maersk's operation. The operator is installing digital connectivity devices aboard 450 ships. This is intended to facilitate smarter cargo tracking and management solutions in the future. The company aims to install new devices on all reefers across its fleet in the coming years. This gradual, comprehensive approach underlines the long-term nature of the programme.

 

The Move From 2G to 4G

 

A central element of the upgrade is a shift in network infrastructure. Since 2019, Maersk has offered customers a visibility product called Captain Peter. This allows them to monitor cargo from the moment goods are sealed through to final delivery. However, the current 2G network infrastructure onboard vessels limits the frequency of data updates. This constraint has restricted the depth of monitoring available to customers.

The new platform addresses this limitation through improved connectivity. The infrastructure is transitioning from 2G to 4G technology across the fleet. This transition enables a substantial increase in data granularity. More frequent data points give customers a more detailed picture of their cargo's journey. The improvement is particularly significant for cold chain customers who rely on precise monitoring.

 

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Benefits for Cold Chain Customers

 

The upgrade is designed to deliver clear benefits for reefer customers. Real-time access and data availability are increasingly vital for cold chain operations. The next-generation devices will provide a more reliable data flow throughout the container journey. This reliability is described as crucial for customers managing temperature-sensitive cargo. Confidence that data is always available underpins the value of the service.

Standardisation forms another key benefit of the programme. Maersk has operated with several generations of devices over the years. The upgrade will standardise these devices across the fleet. This is expected to deliver a more consistent customer experience. That experience is anticipated to improve markedly once the entire reefer fleet is upgraded.

 

Future Capabilities and Intelligence

 

The upgrade lays the groundwork for more advanced features. Maersk describes the new digital platform as a solid foundation for the future. The improved infrastructure will provide the building blocks for new features. These are intended to further strengthen the customer offering over time. This forward-looking approach positions the upgrade as more than a simple hardware replacement.

The company aims to evolve its offering beyond basic visibility. Maersk wants to pivot from a visibility product to an intelligent tool. This tool would help customers interpret data and receive recommended actions. Achieving this will require high-bandwidth, low-latency communications and wifi hardware on vessels. Such infrastructure would enable two-way data exchange and interconnection between systems.

 

Technology and Partnerships

 

The new devices are built with future-proof connectivity in mind. They support 4G and 5G connectivity while remaining backwards-compatible with 2G and 3G communications. This compatibility ensures they can operate across varying network conditions. The devices also harvest renewable energy via solar panels. This feature supports sustainable operation across the extended container journey.

Maersk is delivering the programme through collaboration with technology partners. The company is working closely with several specialist firms on the upgrade. These partners include Onomondo, Nokia, 42com Sat, Complea and Zededa. This collaborative approach brings together expertise across connectivity and data management. The partnerships are integral to delivering the programme's technical objectives.