A British port is advancing its ambitions to become a smart port.
The Port of Tyne is partnering with BT to install a new 5G Private Network and other cutting-edge surveillance and smart technology.
“5G is an enabler and offers us huge potential to implement world-class technology applications and drive real progress in the port and maritime sectors,” said Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne.
“We already have a range of use case scenarios developed through the Innovation Hub and are ready to collaborate with technology companies to validate these exciting new solutions.”
Digital transformation
The arrival of 5G means the port and its customers can take full advantage of advanced technology, including robotics and autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Once live later this year, the new 5G infrastructure will provide fast and low latency connectivity across the port’s entire estate, opening up the potential for the development and implementation of both established and emerging technology.
The Port of Tyne’s technology and innovation team has demonstrated a series of initial and potential use cases. Two of these are recommended for immediate use – quayside operational optimisation programme and OCR container tracking – with scope to expand 5G coverage for future use cases in years to come.
The port’s 200 acre Clean Energy Park was selected for its 5G base as it will help support the operations in support of the UK’s number green growth industry, offshore renewable power generation. Equinor will harness this enhanced capability as they operate and maintain the largest offshore wind farm at Dogger Bank from their port base.
Tyne announced its 5G plans at its Maritime Innovation Week being held from 13 to 16 June in Newcastle and also in the capital as part of London Tech Week.
