Port of Tyne to ‘pioneer’ 5G smart port operations network

The UK’s Port of Tyne has been awarded a £1.159M contract with local authority South Tyneside Council to launch 5G-enabled ‘smart port’ operations. The investment in a port-wide private 5G network is claimed to position Port of Tyne as a pioneer in the UK.

Four projects form the basis of the initiative: 5G-enabled port operations; ‘connected intelligent transport systems’; 5G-enabled event production and live broadcasting; and, advanced wireless sensor technology on farms.

Port of Tyne worked with telecoms firms BT and Ericsson to launch a 4G and 5G private network in November 2023, making it the first smart port in the UK to deploy site-wide standalone connectivity. The 5G-enabled smart port operations involve 5G cameras and IoT sensors to inspect the port estate.

All-electric port

Port of Tyne says this will boost efficiency and reduce fuel usage, enabling the port to implement plans to become all-electric and reduce its environmental impact. Connected intelligent transport systems (CITS) aim to improve road transport efficiency within cities and between strategically vital industrial locations, such as car maker Nissan and Port of Tyne.

Implementing 5G technology at the port could significantly improve its competitiveness through several key advantages, including more streamlined operations, such as cargo handling, inventory management, and logistics coordination, which in turn should reduce turnaround times and raise productivity.

Faster data transfer speeds will facilitate real-time monitoring and management of port operations. This ensures that critical information is delivered instantaneously, allowing for swift decision-making and response. Port of Tyne claims that 5G-powered surveillance cameras, access control systems, and sensor networks will enhance the safety and security of the port, as real-time monitoring and analytics enable proactive threat detection and response.

Cutting-edge sensors and IoT devices can monitor environmental parameters such as air quality, water quality, and noise levels in and around the port. These data can then be used to implement proactive measures to mitigate environmental impact.

Remote operations

A further benefit is remote operations. The transition to a 5G port enables remote monitoring and control of port operations, allowing personnel to oversee activities from anywhere with an internet connection.

Funding for the project forms part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) ‘5G Innovation Regions (5GIR)’ £37M grant, of which the seven northeast local authorities (LA7) successfully bid to receive over £3.7M to support this and three other 5G and advanced wireless connectivity projects across the northeast.

“As we embrace the digital transformation of the maritime industry, the Port of Tyne is proud to lead the way as a 5G-enabled port. We have already invested in a port-wide private 5G network, and this contract will enhance our capacity to implement innovative opportunities for sustainable growth, benefiting the communities in North and South Tyneside,” commented Dr Jo North, director of technology and transformation at the port. “Seamless connectivity will enable us to link shipping companies, logistics providers and regulatory bodies from across the globe, leading to more effective collaborations to address global challenges such as climate change and cybersecurity threats.”