California-based Semtech is working with Dutch firms SkyLab and HeNet to use LoRa multi-band gateways to address maritime logistics for Stena Line.

Semtech supplies analogue and mixed-signal semiconductors and algorithms. It is collaborating with SkyLab, an independent supplier of wireless sensors, GPS tracking and monitoring systems, to provide a dual-band network using LoRa devices in HeNet’s LongAP Pro gateway for Stena Line’s ro-ro and passenger vessel MV Stena Hollandica.

Leveraging Semtech’s LoRa 2.4GHz gateway reference design, the dual-band gateway complements sub-GHz LoRaWan standard coverage with the support of the 2.4GHz global ISM band to address global maritime logistics and sea condition monitoring use cases.

“Asset tracking and condition monitoring at sea is now easier than ever through our work with Semtech and its LoRa 2.4GHz technology alongside HeNet’s LongAP Pro gateway,” said Remy de Jong Senior, technical director at SkyLab. “As a result of the joint collaboration, we’re offering a unique dual-band network that is perfect for maritime companies, such as Stena Line, to assist with the approximately 28,000 departures yearly while ensuring client and customer satisfaction and safe tracking and monitoring of the millions of tons of cargo on the vessel.”

When there is a need to track and trace across vessels and land carriers continually in different regions of the world, a gateway offering ubiquitous coverage using the 2.4GHz and the sub-GHz bands can simplify the roaming of trackers and sensors.

“In a current time where global supply chains are under pressure to increase visibility and predictability, Semtech is continuing to solve these challenges with the expansion of our LoRa portfolio with multi-band capabilities,” said Marc Pégulu, vice president at Semtech. “Simplified and cost-efficient multi-band support is unlocking potential new uses in worldwide asset tracking such as maritime logistics, through the all-in-one capabilities of LoRa.”

Semtech’s LoRa chip-to-cloud platform is a globally adopted long range, low power offering for IoT applications, enabling the rapid development and deployment of low-power, cost-efficient and long-range IoT networks, gateways, sensors, module products and IoT services. Semtech’s technology provides the communication layer for the LoRaWan standard, which is maintained by the LoRa Alliance, an open IoT alliance for LPWAN applications that has been used to deploy IoT networks in over 170 countries.

SkyLab is a brand-independent ICT IoT supplier of measurement and sensor products and indoor tracking and retrieval systems. The company has more than 30 years of experience in IT, transportation security, law enforcement tracking and retrieval systems, asset tracking for Fortune 500 companies, and supplies for the insurance industry. SkyLab’s technology is used to observe and track products, objects, means of transport, work equipment, packages and people.