27 March 2026

Insights from CSCMP & Digital Container Shipping Association Event in Zurich

Yesterday, Telecom26 attended the CSCMP & DCSA event in Zurich, where industry leaders explored how standardisation in shipping can help organisations navigate increasing global uncertainty.

With ocean freight responsible for moving over 90% of global trade, improving efficiency and predictability has become a top priority across the supply chain.

Standardisation in Shipping: A Growing Priority

Discussions at the event highlighted a key industry shift:

• Standardisation in container shipping is becoming essential for digital transformation.

Organisations like Digital Container Shipping Association are driving this transformation by creating common digital standards that enable:

• Seamless data exchange across stakeholders
• Improved operational efficiency
• Better supply chain visibility
• More sustainable logistics operations

Industry leaders including DP World, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Glencore, and IKEA reinforced that:

• Digitalisation in shipping only works when systems can communicate through shared standards.

Why Connectivity is Critical for Shipping Digitalisation

While digital standards are evolving rapidly, their success depends on a key enabler:

• Reliable connectivity.

Modern shipping operations rely on real-time data from:

• Smart containers and tracking devices
• IoT sensors monitoring cargo and equipment
• Port and terminal systems
• Vessel-based digital platforms

Without secure and continuous connectivity, these systems cannot deliver real-time insights or operational efficiency.

• Smart Containers and IoT in Shipping

The adoption of smart container tracking solutions is increasing across the industry.

These solutions provide:

• Real-time location tracking
• Tamper detection and cargo security
• Environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity)

However, they also require:

• Global, multi-network connectivity
• Seamless roaming across regions
• Secure data transmission
• Scalability across thousands of devices

This highlights a growing need for enterprise-grade maritime connectivity solutions.

5G Private Networks for Maritime Connectivity

As vessels become more digital, connectivity requirements are evolving.

A 5G Private Network for maritime provides a dedicated, secure, and high-performance wireless network onboard vessels, enabling:

• Ultra-low latency for real-time operations
• Reliable coverage across the entire vessel
• Secure, SIM-based authentication and encryption
• Support for large-scale IoT deployments

Unlike Wi-Fi or public networks, it ensures predictable performance and controlled quality of service, which is critical for maritime environments

Industry Perspective

“The shift towards digital shipping and smart containers is creating new demands on connectivity, particularly at sea. Technologies like 5G Private Networks are key to enabling reliable, real-time operations onboard vessels and supporting the next generation of maritime innovation.”
— David McCanny, VP Commercial Operations, Telecom26 AG

Key Maritime Use Cases Enabled by Connectivity

• Smart container monitoring
• Predictive maintenance using IoT sensors
• Remote inspections with drones and video streaming
• Crew safety systems with wearable devices
• High-performance onboard connectivity for passengers and crew

Conclusion: Standardisation Requires Connectivity

Standardisation in shipping is not only about data frameworks it requires reliable infrastructure to function effectively.

Connectivity is the foundation that enables:

• Real-time data exchange
• Interoperability across systems
• Scalable global operations

Telecom26 Maritime Connectivity Solutions

Telecom26 supports shipping and logistics companies with:

• Global IoT / M2M SIM & eSIM connectivity
• Multi-network coverage across 200+ countries
• Secure, controlled data routing
• 5G Private Networks for maritime environments

Check our relevant Case Studies:

• Private networks for offshore infrastructure - https://www.telecom26.ch/resource-library/use-cases/private-networks-for-offshore-infrastructure
• Cellular at Sea - https://www.telecom26.ch/resource-library/service-overviews/cellular-at-sea
• Telecom26 and VMS enhance maritime connectivity for commercial vessels - https://www.telecom26.ch/resource-library/case-studies/vms-and-telecom26
• IoT Connectivity for Logistics and Supply Chain - https://www.telecom26.ch/resource-library/guides/iot-connectivity-for-logistics-and-supply-chain
• The IoT Communications Voyage - https://www.telecom26.ch/resource-library/service-overviews/the-iot-communications-voyage

👉 Talk to our experts to explore your maritime connectivity strategy.

FAQs

What is standardisation in container shipping?

Standardisation in container shipping refers to the adoption of common digital frameworks, data models, and processes across the global supply chain to improve efficiency, interoperability, and visibility.

Why is connectivity critical for shipping digitalisation?

Connectivity enables real-time data exchange between vessels, ports, and logistics systems. Without reliable connectivity, digital platforms and standards cannot function effectively.

What is a 5G Private Network in maritime?

A 5G Private Network is a dedicated, secure wireless network deployed onboard vessels, enabling low-latency, high-performance connectivity for IoT, automation, and real-time operations.