M1 will share its expertise and experience from successful 5G maritime use cases to help Vietnam unlock efficiencies in its maritime operations.

M1 Limited (M1) has signed a strategic, non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) and SSI Solutions to advance 5G adoption in Vietnam Maritime Corporation’s (VIMC) operations.

The partnership capitalises on M1’s expertise in maritime 5G solutions, VNPT’s robust 5G network infrastructure crucial for deployment, and SSI Solutions’ capability to seamlessly integrate the technology into VIMC’s operational framework.

The collaboration will introduce advanced 5G-powered applications, including tele-remote equipment control, enhanced automated guided vehicle (AGV) operations and advanced surveillance systems. By drawing on M1’s experience in deploying 5G solutions for maritime and industrial sectors, the initiative seeks to modernise VIMC’s ports and optimise operational efficiency.

“VNPT highly appreciates the strengths and experience of SSI and M1 in consulting and deploying 5G for vertical industries, especially the seaport industry, and hopes that this cooperation would bring benefits to all parties and all would gain significant revenue from 5G technology," says Nguyen Nam Long, vice president of VNPT Group.

Andrew Cheng, M1’s chief of Enterprise Services, adds: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in M1's regional growth strategy. We have spent the last few years co-creating and introducing viable 5G-enabled commercial solutions to digitise Singapore’s maritime operations and make Maritime 5G a reality. With the successes and learnings from our project in Singapore, we are now scaling across Asia and supporting the region’s digital aspirations.”

In late 2022, M1 announced a multi-year project that aims to provide ubiquitous 5G standalone (SA) offshore coverage for the Southern coast of Singapore, including the surrounding waters of the southern islands.

Supported by co-funding from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), M1 deployed a 5G SA network to test and develop next-generation maritime applications through the MPA Innovation Lab and IMDA’s innovation and ecosystem testbed programme.