Wireless Connectivity

In the evolution towards Port 4.0, private 5G networks emerge as a cornerstone of modern industrial connectivity solutions. Tailored specifically for industrial environments, these networks offer unparalleled advantages over traditional wired or Wi-Fi setups. They are meticulously optimised for IoT applications, boasting low energy consumption, fortified data security, and robust support for high connection densities.

In the wake of Port Technology International's Container Terminal Automation Conference (CTAC) North America 2023, this Q&A delves into the forefront of port development, specifically focusing on connectivity. Here, we illuminate the seamless integration of Nokia's digitalisation solutions into the evolution of conventional port operations.

5G New Radio (NR) technology is emerging as one of the cornerstones in the development of the smart ports of the future, with the ability to support everything from the remote operation of wirelessly connected cranes and automated guided vehicles to the wireless transmission of video streams recorded by multiple cameras. This article presents the findings of Ericsson researchers who have created a Digital Twin powered by cutting-edge GPU computing to accurately dimension and realistically model the performance of a private 5G network in a smart-port environment.

Port terminal operators are using digitalisation to become more flexible and resilient so they can respond to volatile market demands, shifting transport routes, and growing vessel sizes with greater speed, agility, coordination, and collaboration. To succeed, they need digital-ready connectivity platforms that can enable and optimise advanced Port 4.0 use cases such as autonomous operations, wireless data, worker collaboration, computer vision, and environmental monitoring.

Our supply chain is increasingly adopting modern technologies, connected devices, and the datarich, highly actionable business insights they enable. Even the largest and most challenging environments need the flexibility of wireless connectivity to connect those devices and leverage their data.

Our net-zero targets have been established and are a crucial part of our overall manifesto. These targets encompass both net-zero goals and diversity and inclusion (DNI) targets. Implementing these targets presents certain challenges, particularly in the area of fleet and fleet management. Port operators, being large fleet operators themselves, are well aware of this challenge.

It wasn’t long ago that a single shipping container required a new set of paper documents for every part of the supply chain it passed through. Perhaps every country, too. Put this into the context of a modern port terminal such as Antwerp Gateway in Belgium, which has an annual throughput of 2.8 million TEU, and you can start to picture the complexity and how time-consuming that would be on a global scale.

The maritime industry's operations and services depend on seamless connectivity. Vessels and offshore facilities require reliable means of communication to ensure smooth operations, crew welfare, and passenger services. However, traditional satellite connectivity can be costly, technology-dependent, and limited in terms of access and data usage.

The pressure on ports – and all links in the supply chain – is possibly higher than it’s ever been. As a mixed-use port handling a huge volume of commercial, industrial and passenger traffic, the UK’s Port of Southampton faced these challenges. Port operator Associated British Ports (ABP) knew its current ways of working and its use of public 4G connectivity wouldn’t help it overcome future challenges.

Ports worldwide have shown great interest in the concept of a digital twin, and how implementing a digital twin could help increase efficiencies and port productivity. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that digital twins are currently entering the “trough of disillusionment” of the Gartner Hype Cycle, which should make everyone cautious about various vendor claims concerning their single digital twin product.