VIACHAIN, Star Solutions Expand At-Sea Container Connectivity
The strategic alliance links Star Solutions' private 4G/LTE networks with VIACHAIN's connected container technology on ships.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Telecommunications
VIACHAIN, an ORBCOMM company, and Star Solutions formalized a strategic alliance to expand at-sea communications for VIACHAIN-enabled containers. The companies already work together across hundreds of ships operated by leading shipping lines and support hundreds of thousands of smart containers.
Why it matters
The alliance allows compatible containers to communicate through onboard vessel networks as shipping lines adopt 4G/LTE, aiming to help crews identify container issues earlier and respond faster.
VIACHAIN reports approximately 4 million TEU of worldwide supported capacity and more than 2 million connected assets, while Star Solutions supports over 800 private industrial networks and has operators in over 30 countries. The announcement does not state how many vessels or containers will be newly equipped under the alliance.
The players
VIACHAIN
VIACHAIN is an ORBCOMM company that provides connected container technology supporting smart containers across global shipping operations.
Star Solutions
Star Solutions is a provider of 2G to 5G mobile wireless network infrastructure, including private industrial networks used by operators and enterprises.
The details
CrewView, VIACHAIN's application, monitors supported refrigerated and dry containers and flags temperature deviations, power interruptions and other exceptions. Star Solutions provides 2G to 5G mobile network infrastructure, including Core Network and RAN solutions, and the alliance pairs those networks with the container technology.
Timeline
November 10, 2026: VIACHAIN and Star Solutions announced the strategic alliance from Sterling, Va.
The Tech Race
Shipping lines are moving onboard networks to 4G/LTE, and this alliance builds on that shift by letting connected containers use those vessel networks. It positions VIACHAIN's existing container monitoring against competing approaches to maritime connectivity.
For shipping operators and logistics managers, the alliance means temperature and power exceptions on supported refrigerated containers can be flagged while the vessel is at sea. CrewView lets crews focus checks on units needing attention rather than relying only on routine rounds.
The takeaway
Shipping and logistics teams evaluating connected container services can look at whether their vessels are moving to 4G/LTE, since that determines how compatible containers communicate onboard. Exception flagging for temperature and power issues can reduce the time spent on routine manual checks.
Further reading
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