CentrePort has announced it is set to incorporate 5G coverage across its Wellington port facilities by deploying an innovative new network with Māori-run communications provider Tū Ātea Limited.
The port, which is a vital connection for New Zealand’s freight and transport system, will go live in the third quarter of 2025 with a private 5G network giving port workers dedicated connectivity across port operations.
The network will initially provide high-speed connections to dozens of tablet devices used in vehicles and cranes which help manage and process typically 4 million tonnes in freight each year. It will also underpin innovative converged solutions that will boost productivity and security at the port while bolstering health and safety efforts.
The network will comprise several 5G high-power radio transceivers and antennas deployed on CentrePort’s existing light-pole infrastructure, connected over a fibre optic network to Tū Ātea’s Converged (4G and 5G capable) Packet Core.
“It means we can provide 5G network slicing to CentrePort, which is a game changer when it comes to offering dedicated wireless capacity for mission-critical operations,” said Antony Royal, Tū Ātea’s Chief Executive Officer.
5G network slicing creates multiple virtual networks within a single physical 5G network. Each “slice” can be customised to meet specific use cases with different latency or throughput requirements, allowing various services to run more efficiently and securely on the same network infrastructure.
CentrePort will be able to sidestep congestion on public mobile networks and its own Wi-fi network, using Tū Ātea’s ‘Network-as-a-Service’ offering, which runs over its 5G spectrum.
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“Our port is a dynamic environment where reliable and fast communication is vital for the safety of our staff and the overall efficiency of the port,” said Anthony Delaney, CentrePort’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Coverage can be tricky due to large ships and container stacks blocking radio signals. This Private 5G network will be optimised to overcome that and will underpin converged smart network features we are planning.”
Earlier this year, Valenciaport embarked on a project to develop and implement its own 5G network, which is ready to work without cables or ties to external operators.
