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Sateliot and t42 Lead the Way with Satellite-Based 5G IoT Maritime Tracking Solution

29 November 2023

Sateliot operating a Low-Earth orbit (LEO) 5G IoT satellite constellation, and t42, the global expert in providing IoT tracking devices for maritime containers, have signed a collaboration agreement to boost connected containers, enabling shipping companies to save 47 billion euros annually.

t42 will deploy thousands of 5G-IoT sensors in containers for its more than 50 logistics partners across over fifty countries, connecting them to Sateliot's satellites, thus eliminating the problem of lack of coverage on the high seas. This ensures secure control of merchandise at all times, as these sensors monitor location, acceleration, temperature, humidity, impacts, tilt, light conditions, and container damage, among other parameters, providing intelligent detection of these variables anytime, anywhere.

Currently, 99% of maritime transport containers are not tracked or inspected due to a lack of cellular and satellite connectivity, leading to losses from cargo theft, tampering, accidents, damages, etc. In response, shipping companies are allocating significant investments to make 25% of their containers smart by 2025. Furthermore, maritime companies handle 80% of international trade goods.

Sateliot's unique technology allows extending 5G NB-IoT connectivity to any part of the world without terrestrial coverage, without operators having to change their hardware, and at a low cost. The significance of this technology lies in the premise that operators can connect to the nanosatellite network via a roaming service when they need to extend their coverage.

Furthermore, the low cost per device and connection is an added advantage driving this innovation.

The First Change in 67 Years

The combination of Sateliot's technology and t42's will unleash a revolution in a sector that has mostly stayed the same since Malcolm McLean invented the shipping container in 1956.

Back then, the revolutionary solution came from the new standardized way of shipping goods, with a newly designed container perfectly shaped to fit all ships, tools, and ports. Now, a second revolution comes with the new 5G standard for IoT communications capable of connecting devices seamlessly to satellite (NTN) and cellular networks.

This means that the container will undergo a transformation similar to what the automobile experienced, evolving rapidly from a simple machine that transports you from one point to another to a connected car, becoming a powerful IT tool with many applications.

Jaume Sanpera, Sateliot’s CEO, said: “Our collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the industry's history, transforming traditional shipping containers into intelligent, connected assets. Tracking in open seas, until now, a very luxurious satellite service will be democratized to all.”

On the other hand, Avi Hartmann, t42’s CEO, challenges other companies and industries to follow their steps. “It is unbelievable what a small hardware investment can represent for the industry's performance overall. This change has come to stay; there’s no doubt about it.”