Smarter Port Operations with LoRaWAN®: Reduce Downtime, Track Assets & Improve Safety

Ports are some of the most complex logistics environments in the world. Every day, thousands of containers are loaded and unloaded, vehicles move constantly across wide yards, and multiple teams work around the clock to keep operations running. But with so many moving parts, even a small disruption can create costly delays, increase safety risks, or impact cargo quality.

Some of the most pressing challenges faced by port operators today include:

• Limited visibility into container and equipment movement.
• Inconsistent cold chain monitoring for sensitive cargo.
• High operational costs due to equipment downtime and inefficient waste handling.
• Gaps in security coverage across vast port areas.

At TEKTELIC, we’ve spent over 15 years working with LoRaWAN® technology to address exactly these kinds of challenges. Our experience in deploying end-to-end IoT solutions across industries helps us understand the real problems behind the scenes—and how to solve them in a scalable, cost-effective way.

In this article, we’ll explore how LoRaWAN® is quietly transforming port operations—from asset tracking and cold chain monitoring to security, predictive maintenance, and more.

What is LoRaWAN® and How Ports Benefit from It

LoRaWAN® (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a wireless communication protocol specifically designed for low-power, long-range connectivity. Unlike Wi-Fi or cellular networks, LoRaWAN® enables sensors and devices to send small packets of data over several kilometers, using minimal battery power. This makes it uniquely suited for massive IoT deployments in large, spread-out environments like ports.

In the context of port operations, LoRaWAN® allows thousands of sensors and trackers to communicate over a single network, providing real-time updates on assets, environmental conditions, equipment health, and security—all without the complexity and cost of traditional infrastructure. With the ability to connect both indoor and outdoor areas under a single architecture, LoRaWAN® helps streamline operations, reduce delays, optimize labor, and enhance situational awareness.

Whether it’s a tracker on a container, a temperature sensor in a reefer unit, or a wearable for worker safety, LoRaWAN® creates a unified, scalable ecosystem that gives port operators the visibility and control they need to stay competitive in today’s global logistics chain.

Reliable Port-Wide Connectivity with LoRaWAN® Gateways

Behind every smart port solution is a reliable, scalable network infrastructure—and this is where LoRaWAN® gateways play a critical role.

Unlike traditional wireless networks, LoRaWAN® requires minimal infrastructure. A few high-performance gateways can cover an entire terminal, container yard, or warehouse cluster—even in environments filled with steel structures, radio interference, and challenging weather conditions.

TEKTELIC’s KONA Macro, and KONA Mega gateways are specifically built for such industrial-grade deployments. They offer:

• Long-range RF reception (up to 15+ km in open conditions)
• Deep indoor penetration
• Carrier-grade reliability
• IP-rated enclosures suitable for outdoor or rooftop mounting

Because LoRaWAN® gateways operate independently from Wi-Fi or cellular networks, they enable private, secure networks that ports can manage directly—avoiding data costs, coverage gaps, or dependency on telecom providers.

Whether mounted on light poles, building rooftops, or perimeter fencing, gateways ensure that every sensor and tracker—no matter how remote—is always connected.

For example, a KONA Macro gateway installed on a central communications tower can receive data from thousands of devices across the port with zero latency issues or signal dropouts.

Key Benefit: LoRaWAN® gateways provide robust, low-maintenance connectivity for massive IoT deployments—lowering operational costs, simplifying setup, and ensuring every asset or sensor remains online.

• Outdoor IP67 and indoor options
• Up to 12 million messages/day
• Carrier-grade performance and backhaul options (Ethernet, 4G, Wi-Fi)
• Designed for high-interference and dense RF environments
• Seamless integration with private or public LoRaWAN® networks.

Smarter Asset Tracking Across the Yard

Port operations rely on continuous movement—containers are offloaded from ships, shifted to storage yards, and then loaded again onto trucks or trains for final delivery. With thousands of moving assets and frequent reorganization of container stacks, maintaining visibility across the yard is one of the biggest operational challenges.

Traditional GPS systems or barcode scans have major limitations: they rely heavily on line-of-sight, can be disrupted by steel and concrete structures, and don’t provide real-time updates. This is where LoRaWAN® offers a superior solution.

With just a few strategically placed gateways, TEKTELIC’s ORCA or PELICAN trackers can transmit location data over several kilometers. Trackers are mounted directly onto containers, trailers, or equipment and transmit real-time data using long-range, low-power signals. These devices operate autonomously for years—no charging, no SIM cards, and no Wi-Fi needed.

Even in areas with poor network coverage—like the edge of a storage yard, behind stacked metal containers, or within semi-enclosed terminals—LoRaWAN® ensures that location data keeps flowing. Combined with geofencing and alert features, logistics teams can receive notifications if a container deviates from its assigned zone or enters a restricted area.

For example, if a high-value cargo unit is mistakenly loaded onto the wrong truck or routed to the wrong dock, LoRaWAN® trackers will immediately notify the operations team—allowing intervention before the shipment even leaves the port.

Key Benefit: Provides low-cost, wide-area asset visibility without the need for cellular subscriptions or manual scanning. This results in fewer shipment errors, better yard planning, and faster incident resolution.

TEKTELIC Advantage – ORCA

• GPS & BLE for outdoor/indoor positioning
• Real-time tracking, geofencing, customizable alerts
• Rugged IP67 casing, -40°C to +70°C
• 3-axis accelerometer for event-based tracking
• Made in EU and Canada

TEKTELIC Advantage – PELICAN / PELICAN Ex

• Up to 15-year battery (5 years for Pelican Ex)
• Small form factor (67 x 41 x 32 mm)
• ATEX Zone II certified (Pelican Ex version)
• Global ISM band support
• Made in EU and Canada

Real-Time Cold Chain & Environmental Monitoring

Perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive electronics require tight environmental control from arrival to departure. In a busy port where containers are constantly moving or waiting in temporary storage, it’s easy for temperature and humidity levels to slip outside acceptable ranges—and that can quickly result in product spoilage, customer claims, or even rejected shipments.

With LoRaWAN®, port operators can gain real-time visibility into environmental conditions across every corner of the facility. Devices like TEKTELIC’s TUNDRA are specifically built for this task, providing accurate and continuous monitoring in cold storage areas, reefer containers, or refrigerated trucks—even in harsh, high-traffic areas of the port.

TUNDRA sensors send precise temperature and humidity data at configurable intervals and are rugged enough to handle outdoor conditions, ice buildup, or fluctuating environments. Because they run for years without battery changes, they’re easy to deploy and require little to no maintenance.

Take the example of a frozen meat shipment that’s staged in a container yard. When refrigeration begins to fail and internal temperatures rise, the TUNDRA sensor quickly detects the issue and alerts port staff. Within minutes, the container is moved to a properly cooled zone—avoiding spoilage and keeping the supply chain intact.

Key Benefit: TUNDRA enables reliable cold chain monitoring throughout the port, helping teams take early action, reduce cargo loss, meet safety regulations, and protect temperature-sensitive goods.

TEKTELIC Advantage – TUNDRA

• Long battery life: 15+ years (daily), 9+ years (hourly), 5+ years (15-min reporting)
• IP67-rated for protection against dust, water, and ice
• High-accuracy sensors: temperature (±0.3°C), humidity (±4%)
• Easy and fast battery replacement procedure
• Built for long-term performance in cold chain logistics and industrial environments

Port Security & Equipment Protection with LoRaWAN®

Port terminals manage a massive flow of high-value goods and vehicles—making them frequent targets for theft, tampering, and unauthorized access. Traditional security systems, while effective in controlled spaces, often fall short when it comes to vast, open port environments with dozens of gates, warehouses, and staging zones.

LoRaWAN® offers a flexible and scalable approach to port security. With wireless intrusion detection sensors and asset trackers like TEKTELIC’s STORK, ports can secure both fixed locations and mobile equipment—without needing wired power, cellular coverage, or extensive infrastructure.

STORK devices are installed on valuable machinery, shipping containers, or in restricted zones. They transmit alerts when unauthorized movement, access, or vibration is detected. Thanks to their multi-mode location tracking (BLE, Wi-Fi, and GNSS), they can provide real-time positioning both indoors and outdoors.

According to a 2023 report from TT Club and BSI, cargo theft increased by 5% across Europe, with ports and surrounding logistics zones identified as key hotspots for theft and tampering. (Source: Cargo Theft Report)

The real advantage comes when data from these sensors is visualized in real time through TEKTELIC’s LOCUS application. Security teams gain full situational awareness—seeing exactly where a breach occurred, tracking asset movement, and responding instantly to risks. Whether it’s a door left open, equipment leaving a designated area, or personnel accessing restricted zones, LOCUS delivers the context needed to act decisively.

Combined with door sensors and geofencing logic, LoRaWAN®-enabled security systems make it easier to monitor large outdoor areas, guard assets left in remote storage, and respond proactively to breaches—no matter the scale of the operation.

Key Benefit: Enhances perimeter and equipment security with wide-area, real-time visibility and situational awareness—delivered through TEKTELIC’s LOCUS platform—without the complexity or expense of traditional hardwired systems.

TEKTELIC Advantage – STORK

• BLE & Wi-Fi sniffing for indoor positioning
• Low-power GNSS for outdoor tracking and battery efficiency
• Rugged IP67 housing, -40°C to +70°C
• Event-based alerts via 3-axis accelerometer
• Small form factor (75 x 43 x 41 mm)
• Optional external 12V power input
• Made in EU and Canada

Predictive Maintenance for Critical Equipment

Ports rely on a wide range of heavy machinery—cranes, conveyors, forklifts, and more. If even one piece of equipment breaks down unexpectedly, it can cause a ripple effect of delays, downtime, and missed delivery windows.

LoRaWAN® sensors provide a smarter, more proactive way to maintain equipment health. These sensors can be mounted directly onto machinery to measure factors like temperature, vibration, operating hours, and usage cycles. Data is transmitted in real time to maintenance teams, helping them identify early warning signs of wear and tear before problems escalate.

For example, a crane shows a gradual increase in vibration frequency over several days. Rather than waiting for it to fail mid-operation, the system alerts engineers to inspect it early—preventing a costly shutdown and keeping container traffic on schedule.

TEKTELIC’s ecosystem can integrate seamlessly into existing maintenance workflows, allowing ports to move from reactive repairs to planned interventions that save time, reduce risk, and extend equipment lifespan.

Key Benefit: Minimizes unplanned downtime and maintenance costs while improving equipment reliability, safety, and availability.

Enhancing Worker Safety with Wearable Technology

Ports are busy, high-risk environments with moving vehicles, heavy loads, and restricted access zones. Ensuring the safety of every worker—especially lone or remote personnel—is both a moral and operational imperative.

LoRaWAN® wearables like TEKTELIC’s SEAL and SEAL Ex bring a new level of protection to frontline teams. These devices can detect falls, elevation changes, or prolonged inactivity and trigger real-time alerts. GPS and BLE provide indoor/outdoor positioning, while geofencing ensures staff remain within safe work zones.

Picture a maintenance worker checking equipment near a remote dock. The SEAL detects a sudden fall and sends an alert with precise location data—helping emergency responders reach the scene quickly and minimizing downtime.

Designed for harsh conditions and long battery life, SEAL devices operate for over a year and can be worn comfortably throughout demanding shifts. The SEAL Ex version is ATEX Zone I certified, making it suitable for hazardous areas like fuel terminals or chemical depots.

Key Benefit: Improves worker protection, enables faster emergency response, and helps meet health and safety regulations in dynamic industrial settings.

TEKTELIC Advantage – SEAL / SEAL Ex

• Fall and elevation detection
• Audio and visual alerts
• GPS and BLE for real-time tracking
• Geofencing and low battery notifications
• IP67, -20°C to +60°C operation range
• ATEX Zone I certified (SEAL Ex)
• Made in EU and Canada

Why TEKTELIC’s Solutions Are the Right Fit for Ports

TEKTELIC offers one of the most complete and field-proven LoRaWAN® portfolios in the market—designed to meet the specific demands of port environments. With over 15 years of experience in wireless product development and LoRaWAN® deployments, our team understands the operational pressures ports face and delivers solutions that ports can trust and rely on.

Our devices are built for performance in extreme conditions, from freezing reefer containers to hot, open-air yards. Every sensor and tracker is optimized for long battery life, reliable connectivity, and seamless integration into existing workflows.

We understand that ports can’t afford downtime or delays. That’s why TEKTELIC’s solutions are simple to deploy, scale easily across multiple terminals, and provide the data that operators, engineers, and security teams need to make fast, informed decisions. From rugged asset trackers and environmental sensors to wearable safety devices and powerful gateways, everything works together to deliver actionable insights in real time.

Whether you’re addressing one challenge or looking to digitize your entire operation, TEKTELIC provides the technology, expertise, and reliability to make it happen.

Conclusion

LoRaWAN® is more than just a connectivity standard—it’s a strategic enabler for the future of port operations. From asset tracking and equipment monitoring to security and personnel safety, it offers ports the tools to operate more efficiently, securely, and sustainably.

With over 15 years of expertise in LoRaWAN® solutions, TEKTELIC helps ports around the world deploy scalable, reliable, and low-cost IoT infrastructure tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re starting with one use case or building a full digital ecosystem, our portfolio of devices, gateways, and applications ensures that every part of your operation stays connected—and optimized.

If you’re ready to explore how LoRaWAN® can transform your port operations, our team is here to support your journey from start to scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of using LoRaWAN in smart ports?

LoRaWAN allows ports to monitor containers, assets, machinery, and environmental conditions in real time with minimal infrastructure. It improves operational efficiency, enhances security, reduces downtime, and enables proactive maintenance and safety across the port.

2. How can ports reduce equipment downtime using IoT?

By using LoRaWAN® sensors to monitor machinery health metrics like vibration and temperature, ports can detect early signs of failure and schedule maintenance before breakdowns occur—avoiding delays and lowering repair costs.

3. What types of assets can be tracked with LoRaWAN® at the port?

LoRaWAN® trackers can be installed on containers, vehicles, trailers, forklifts, and cranes. They provide real-time location updates, geofencing alerts, and help prevent asset loss or unauthorized movement.

4. How do TEKTELIC solutions support environmental monitoring in ports?

TEKTELIC devices like the TUNDRA sensor offer high-accuracy temperature and humidity monitoring for cold storage and reefer units. They help ensure product integrity, compliance, and early detection of refrigeration issues in perishable cargo handling.