Digital transformation is reshaping global port operations through the adoption of advanced technologies, including automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics. These tools are being integrated across key areas, including cargo handling, logistics, and stakeholder coordination, to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Key initiatives include the use of automated equipment and robotics, real-time IoT monitoring, and digital platforms that facilitate seamless information exchange among port communities. AI and advanced analytics support predictive maintenance and resource optimization, while digital twins enable scenario planning and operational resilience. Enhanced cybersecurity and environmental monitoring help ensure secure, sustainable operations.
Successful digital transformation requires organizational change and stakeholder alignment. As a result, ports are becoming more connected, agile, and equipped to meet global trade demands with greater security and reduced environmental impact.
Private 5G (P5G) can accelerate this transformation by delivering secure, low-latency connectivity tailored to complex port environments. It supports automation, real-time monitoring, and IoT integration, especially in large or advanced ports where existing networks fall short. However, its impact depends on infrastructure readiness, automation goals, budgets, and organizational capabilities. While not universal, P5G often acts as a foundational enabler when combined with the right technologies and strategies, driving measurable gains in efficiency, safety, and flexibility.
Online content published since 2022 that related to P5G for maritime ports was collected and filtered using proprietary web crawling, AI, and NLP tools, yielding a corpus of 221 relevant impressions (ALL CONTENT). Of this, 192 focused on company activity in the sector (RICH CONTENT), identifying 180 companies. Approximately 29.0% of the content in the corpus referenced multiple industry verticals in addition to maritime ports, with an average of 2 to 3 other industries mentioned in this content.
The chart below compares the content corpus for P5G for the maritime ports industry against other industry verticals to gauge relative market momentum. The analysis indicates that the maritime port industry is currently an above-average vertical market segment for P5G.
Natural language processing (NLP) and AI tools were used to identify companies mentioned in the content corpus, measure their prevalence (BREADTH), and evaluate how frequently they appear alongside other companies (DEPTH). For the 180 companies identified, the ranking of the top 10 is shown in the chart below.
Nokia provides P5G networks for ports with secure, low-latency connectivity and wide coverage. Its solutions support real-time analytics, asset tracking, automation, and remote operations, improving efficiency and safety in demanding port environments.
Ericsson delivers P5G networks for ports with secure, high-speed connectivity tailored to meet the complex needs of port operations. These networks enable real-time asset tracking, automation of cranes and vehicles, remote operations, and surveillance, helping ports improve efficiency, safety, and control.
Verizon has deployed P5G networks in ports to provide secure, high-speed connectivity that supports automation, asset tracking, autonomous vehicles, remote crane control, and safety monitoring. Its networks replace Wi-Fi with broader coverage and lower latency, improving efficiency and worker safety while enabling ports to manage complex logistics more effectively.
NLP and AI techniques were employed to identify and categorise keywords and phrases within the content corpus into 23 distinct topics. Their frequency was measured (BREADTH) and their inter-relationships analyzed (DEPTH). The chart below shows the top 10 topics.
The most prominent topics in online content today are compute and communications, logistics 4.0, security, and artificial intelligence. Over time, we expect themes such as supply chain 4.0 and regulations and compliance to increase in prominence.
Ports worldwide, including those in China, Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, are deploying P5G networks to replace legacy systems and enable more advanced digital operations. These networks support automation, remote equipment control, real-time monitoring, and smart logistics, enhancing efficiency, safety, and competitiveness in global maritime trade. Several notable use-cases are summarized below.
Yangshan Port, situated offshore near Shanghai, is a deep-water container port with ultra-deep berths that can accommodate the world's largest vessels. As part of the world's busiest container port complex, it features China's largest automated terminal and plays a critical role in global trade and advanced cargo handling.
In 2017, the port deployed an LTE-based network to support early automation initiatives, including remote-controlled cranes and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Since 2019, it has advanced further by implementing P5G networks in partnership with China Mobile, Huawei, and others. These deployments leverage virtualized private networks, edge computing, ultra-low latency, and high bandwidth to enable real-time operations, HD video streaming, and remote equipment control across the port.
The Port of Ningbo is the world's busiest port by cargo tonnage, strategically located at the intersection of major global shipping routes and China's Yangtze River Delta. Since 2019, the Port has operated a P5G network, developed in partnership with Huawei and China Mobile. The network leverages advanced features such as network slicing and high-performance edge computing to support a wide range of smart port operations, including the remote control of gantry cranes and autonomous container trucks.
Delivering high reliability, low latency, and strong uplink bandwidth, the P5G network enables real-time automation critical to port efficiency. Its 5G-powered smart container trucks operate driverless at the port, improving safety, reducing labor costs, and increasing overall productivity.
Mawan SmartPort in Shenzhen is a 10 million-square-foot facility that handles approximately 3 million TEUs annually. To enhance operational efficiency and safety, the port has implemented a P5G network, deployed by China Merchants Port Group in collaboration with Huawei and China Mobile. Rolled out in the 2019-2021 timeframe, the network supports a range of smart port applications, including autonomous vehicles, remotely operated equipment, and real-time data exchange, enabling greater automation and intelligent logistics coordination.
As one of China's flagship 5G-enabled port projects, Mawan SmartPort demonstrates how P5G can transform container handling by making operations faster, safer, and more interconnected.
The Port of Qingdao is a major deepwater seaport on China's Yellow Sea coast, serving as a key international trade hub with substantial bulk cargo handling capacity and a strategic role in the Maritime Silk Road. The port has deployed a P5G network in partnership with Ericsson, China Unicom, and other industry players, including Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity that supports automation, real-time data exchange, and intelligent logistics operations. The network enables technologies such as autonomous vehicles, remotely operated cranes, and AI-powered monitoring systems, enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Notably, Qingdao is home to the first fully automated and hydrogen-powered container terminal in Asia.
The Port of Guangzhou is the largest comprehensive port in South China, serving as a major international maritime hub with links to over 300 ports worldwide. It plays a critical role in the economy and transportation network of the Pearl River Delta and Guangdong Province. In 2020, the port began deploying a P5G network in collaboration with China Unicom Guangzhou, Huawei, and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC). This initiative supported the development of the Greater Bay Area s first fully automated terminal and a 5G application demonstration zone at the Nansha port area.
The P5G network delivers high-speed, low-latency wireless connectivity for key applications such as automated container handling, remote crane operation, and real-time data exchange, enhancing efficiency, safety, and automation. Integrated with the Beidou satellite navigation system, the network enables precise positioning of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and quay cranes, achieving control delays of less than 50 milliseconds for improved stability and performance. It is designed to replace legacy navigation and communication systems, marking a significant step in the port's digital transformation.
The Port of Tianjin is Northern China's largest seaport and a critical maritime gateway to Beijing, featuring extensive cargo and container handling facilities along Bohai Bay. In 2019, the port began deploying a P5G network in collaboration with Huawei and China Mobile to support its smart port transformation. The network enables automation and digitalization through cloud-controlled autonomous vehicles and AI-driven horizontal transport systems.
A key application is the use of unmanned electric container trucks equipped with ultra-L4 autonomous driving technology, guided by China's BeiDou satellite navigation system. This setup enables efficient, low-emission, and driverless container transport, significantly improving energy use and operational efficiency. The P5G infrastructure also supports real-time high-definition video transmission, ultra-low-latency control signals, and stable remote operation of critical equipment such as quay cranes, enhancing safety, throughput, and reliability in cargo handling.
The Port of Xiamen is a major deep-water port in Fujian, China, ranking eighth nationally and thirteenth globally. With 74 berths, it plays a critical role in regional and international trade and is operated by the municipal Xiamen Port Authority.
In 2020, the port deployed a P5G network at the Xiamen Ocean Gate Container Terminal. Implemented by China Mobile in partnership with the terminal operator and COSCO Shipping Technology, the network delivers reliable, low-latency connectivity to support remote crane operations, autonomous container trucks, AI-based container tallying, and real-time video surveillance. These capabilities have significantly enhanced operational efficiency through automation, including the operation of unmanned gantry cranes and driverless logistics vehicles. The 5G infrastructure also enables broader smart port services such as drone inspections and intelligent lighting, contributing to improved safety, lower costs, and uninterrupted 24-hour operations.
The Port of Dalian, located in Liaoning province, is China's northernmost ice-free multipurpose port, handling over 100 million tons of cargo annually and serving as a key regional hub with connections to more than 300 ports worldwide.
The Port of Dalian has deployed a 5G-enabled smart port system that supports unmanned container trucks, automated rail-mounted gantry cranes, and remote-controlled quay cranes to enhance operational efficiency. This P5G network enables remote operation of heavy equipment with low latency and high bandwidth, facilitating real-time control and data collection for industrial big data applications. The deployment is part of broader efforts by Liaoning Port Group, in partnership with Huawei and China Mobile, to develop intelligent port infrastructure utilizing 5G, AI, IoT, and other advanced technologies, with the aim of transforming Dalian into a leading smart port and shipping hub in Northeast Asia. The Dalian 5G smart port was recognized nationally as one of the fully connected 5G factories by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, underscoring its advanced integration of 5G technologies in port operations.
The Port of Hong Kong is a major deep-water seaport on the Kowloon Peninsula, serving as a key global trade and transhipment hub with advanced container terminals and extensive international connections. In March 2023, the port began deploying a P5G network across its container terminals. Hutchison Port Holdings Trust, in partnership with 3HK, installed five dedicated 5G base stations to deliver fast, reliable, and low-latency wireless connectivity. This network enables high-density device connectivity and supports critical applications such as remote crane operation, AI-powered surveillance at terminal gates, and berth activity monitoring via crane-mounted cameras. These capabilities aim to reduce costs, improve safety, and boost operational efficiency. Supported by a government subsidy promoting early 5G adoption, the deployment is part of a broader strategy to transform the port into a smart logistics hub integrating AI, IoT, blockchain, and machine learning to drive automation and data-driven decision-making.
The Port of Tacoma, a major deepwater seaport in Washington State, is one of the largest container ports in North America and a key hub for international trade and economic activity in the Pacific Northwest. In January 2024, the port launched a P5G network across the Tacoma Tideflats as part of a multi-stakeholder initiative involving the 5G Open Innovation Lab, EDGE Cluster, Washington Maritime Blue, and the City of Tacoma. The network leverages existing infrastructure such as utility poles and floodlights to provide secure, seamless connectivity to five key enterprise users: TOTE Maritime Alaska, Silverback Marine, Trident Seafoods, SAFE Boats International, and Motive Power Marine.
Engineered to modernize operations, the P5G network delivers ultra-low latency and high bandwidth, enabling real-time data sharing, enhanced supply chain visibility, and robust support for automation, remote crane control, video surveillance, and other industrial IoT applications. Designed for scalability, the platform supports the "Blue Economy" strategy being pursued in Washington by enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness across core port functions. It is also built for future expansion, enabling integration with additional enterprises and facilitating data exchange across trucking, rail, maritime, and environmental monitoring systems to support a more connected and intelligent port ecosystem.
The Port of Long Beach is a major deepwater seaport in California and the second-busiest container port in the United States. It serves as a leading gateway for trans-Pacific trade, having a significant economic impact at both the regional and national levels. As part of its smart port initiatives, the Port of Long Beach has implemented a P5G wireless network, with initial deployment in 2021. The network utilises the millimetre-wave spectrum and Siklu radios to support high-definition video surveillance and other operational requirements, enhancing security and overall port performance.
This initiative complements the broader expansion of 5G infrastructure in the Long Beach area by carriers such as AT&T and Verizon, which aims to improve connectivity, facilitate real-time data sharing, and enhance automation across port operations. These deployments have continued to grow through 2023 and 2024, reflecting the port's ongoing commitment to operational efficiency and safety. In parallel, Maersk, one of the major terminal operators, has deployed a private CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) network to optimize terminal management and logistics.
The Port of Virginia is a major East Coast gateway, recognized for its deep shipping channels, modern semi-automated terminals powered by clean energy, strong multimodal transport links, and ongoing expansion to efficiently and sustainably accommodate larger vessels.
In 2023, the Port partnered with Verizon Business to deploy a P5G network, initially at the Virginia International Gateway (VIG), and later expanded to the Norfolk International Terminal (NIT). Using high-band spectrum and Ericsson-supplied radio and core infrastructure, the network replaces legacy Wi-Fi systems across hundreds of acres. It enables advanced use cases such as autonomous container trucks, surveillance and safety drones, remotely operated cranes, and push-to-talk mobile communications for instant voice and data sharing among port personnel.
The Port of Jacksonville, Florida, is a major deepwater seaport comprising three terminals that handle a diverse range of cargo, including containers and vehicles. It is the busiest container port in Florida and a key hub for vehicle imports and exports, supported by strong rail and trucking connections.
In early 2025, Carrix, a leading port and rail operator, deployed a P5G network at the port, using Nokia infrastructure. The network is designed to enhance operational efficiency and bolster security, enabling use cases such as real-time asset tracking, automated equipment control, and improved surveillance.
The Port of Oakland is a major West Coast seaport with four terminals, handling approximately 2.07 million TEUs annually. As the primary container gateway for Northern California and one of the largest ports on the Pacific, it benefits from strong intermodal connections via rail and trucking.
In 2021, the port began deploying a P5G network at its marine terminal, utilizing CBRS spectrum, to support container yard operations and an expanding range of smart port applications. The network delivers secure, high-capacity wireless connectivity for devices and equipment across the facility, with outbound roaming capabilities enabling seamless off-site mobility. Purpose-built for industrial IoT and data-driven logistics, the system enhances operational efficiency, real-time asset tracking, and end-to-end supply chain visibility.
Global Container Terminals, Deltaport in Vancouver is the largest container terminal in Canada, boasting extensive berthing capacity, the world's largest on-dock rail yard, and super post-Panamax cranes, which position it as a critical Pacific trade gateway.
The port has a P5G network, developed in partnership with Rogers and Ericsson, which builds on a dedicated LTE network first implemented in 2017 for semi-automated rail yard operations. The new 5G infrastructure expands coverage across the full terminal, enabling advanced vessel and yard automation. It delivers ultra-low latency and high-bandwidth connectivity, essential for remotely operated ship-to-shore cranes, real-time monitoring of terminal equipment, and data-driven operational decision-making. The network also supports the integration of IoT and AI applications, enhancing safety, fluidity, and overall efficiency. A digital twin of the terminal is planned to optimize yard strategy and capacity further. This deployment marks a pivotal step in the modernization strategy for Deltaport, reinforcing its role as a high-performance, future-ready logistics hub.
The Port of Santos is the largest port in Brazil and the busiest maritime hub in Latin America, handling over 5 million TEUs annually. It is undergoing major modernization efforts to expand capacity and integrate advanced digital technologies.
In July 2023, a P5G network went live at the port, deployed by Brasil Terminal Portuario (BTP) in partnership with TIM Brazil and Nokia. The network provides high reliability, low latency, and enhanced bandwidth to support continuous 24/7 operation of port equipment across the terminal. It enables real-time remote monitoring of equipment and operational activities, improving connectivity, safety, and efficiency. The infrastructure spans the entire terminal area and serves over 1,400 employees, supporting streamlined coordination across multiple operational sites.
The Port of Felixstowe is the largest container port in the UK, handling over 40% of container trade. Nearby Harwich International Port serves as a major ferry terminal to the Netherlands and supports offshore wind operations. Together, they form a strategic hub on the East Coast for trade and energy.
In June 2025, the Port of Felixstowe launched a wide-area P5G network spanning both Felixstowe and Harwich. The network delivers fast, secure, and reliable communication with high bandwidth and low latency, enabling the simultaneous operation of conventional and autonomous systems, including remotely controlled quay cranes and semi-autonomous trucks. It also supports advanced IoT sensors and AI-driven predictive maintenance models to monitor equipment health, particularly cranes, reducing unplanned downtime and improving efficiency.
The project involved Hutchison Ports (UK) (which has since divested most of its ownership in the ports), Three UK, Blue Mesh Solutions, and the University of Cambridge, and received UK government funding to pilot innovative 5G use cases in port operations.
The Port of Tyne is a deep-sea port located in Northeast England, near Newcastle, handling a diverse range of cargo, including cars, containers, and renewable energy equipment. It benefits from strong transport links and a clear commitment to clean energy.
In November 2023, the port activated its private 4G and P5G wireless network at the South Shields cargo terminal and surrounding industrial site, in partnership with British Telecom (BT) and Ericsson. Built on an Ericsson P5G solution and using licensed spectrum from BT, the network delivers fast, reliable, and low-latency connectivity across the site, including both sides of the River Tyne.
The network supports a range of innovative applications, including autonomous machines for container offloading, AI-powered automated container inspection, smart surveillance systems with AI, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and environmental monitoring. This deployment enhances safety, operational efficiency, and environmental performance, supporting the port's vision to become a smart, low-carbon maritime hub and a testbed for emerging 5 G-enabled technologies.
The Port of Tilbury, on the River Thames in Essex, is London's main port handling containers, bulk goods, cars, and paper, with strong transport links and a historic cruise terminal.
The port began deploying P5G in 2025 as part of the Thames Freeport industrial cluster project. It has deployed two P5G networks led by Verizon Business in partnership with Nokia. This deployment covers key logistics and cargo handling areas within the port's 31 terminals, supporting about 16 million tonnes of cargo annually. The networks operate exclusively on the 3.8-4.2 GHz spectrum, utilizing around 80 P5G radios and leveraging Nokia's Digital Automation Cloud and MX Industrial Edge solutions. The P5G infrastructure enables advanced applications such as AI-driven data analytics, predictive maintenance, autonomous vehicle control, process automation, real-time logistics orchestration, and environmental monitoring. The network supports the ports' modernization efforts and promotes economic growth within the Thames Freeport area, alongside related sites like DP World London Gateway and Ford's Dagenham plant.
The Port of Bristol, operated by the Bristol Port Company, is a growing UK port comprising the Avonmouth and Royal Portbury docks. It handles a broad mix of cargo and can accommodate vessels up to 130,000 DWT. The seaport boasts robust logistics capabilities and is expanding with the construction of a new deep-sea container terminal.
In 2021, the port began trialing a P5G network, with wider deployment in 2022 under the UK government-funded 5G Logistics project. Led by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) in partnership with Cellnex, Airspan, and AttoCore, the network links the port to the nearby Gravity Smart Campus through multiple small cell transmitters. It delivers fast, reliable, and low-latency connectivity across the port, enabling real-time asset tracking with IoT sensors, drone-based perimeter surveillance, smart traffic management with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and environmental monitoring.
This infrastructure improves logistics efficiency, traceability, and security while supporting broader efforts to modernize port operations. The project also explores how 5G can operate across flexible virtual boundaries between public and private networks, laying the groundwork for a safer and more intelligent port ecosystem.
The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is Europe's largest seaport, handling over 14 million TEUs annually and serving as a global logistics gateway with extensive international connections.
As part of its transition toward a fully digital and automated smart port, Rotterdam has deployed P5G networks in designated areas to test and demonstrate advanced digital capabilities. Developed in collaboration with technology partners and regulators, these networks operate primarily in the 3.5 GHz spectrum band and support a wide range of innovative applications, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, digital twins, predictive maintenance, autonomous vehicles, drones, and real-time asset tracking.
The networks provide low-latency, high-bandwidth wireless connectivity, which is critical for the operation of automated equipment and real-time management of the port's digital twin. This digital twin is a comprehensive virtual model that is continuously updated through extensive sensor deployments across the 16-square-mile port area.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium is Europe's second-largest seaport, handling nearly 290 million tons of cargo annually and serving over 800 global destinations.
The port has deployed at least three distinct P5G networks: the Minerva network at the main Antwerp port supporting port operations and emergency services; a Zeebrugge network tailored for local logistics and environmental monitoring; and a Citymesh network at the BASF industrial site focused on Industry 4.0 applications, which is covered in our P5G for Manufacturing report.
The Minerva P5G network was developed by the technology firm iSea in collaboration with Ericsson. Designed to cover the entire Antwerp port area, it supports the port authority, city police, and fire brigade with fast, secure, and resilient connectivity that is independent of public networks. It enables advanced digital applications, such as live video streaming, drone operations, push-to-talk communication, and secure real-time data sharing, all of which are critical for ensuring port safety and effective emergency response.
The Zeebrugge P5G network, deployed in partnership with Citymesh and Nokia, is operated from the port's own data center, ensuring secure, high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity. It supports a range of applications, including communication with tugboats, air pollution monitoring, security cameras, and quay sensors. It will also be vital during the construction of a new sea lock and offshore wind farms. Additionally, the network enables logistics enhancements such as dispatching, track and trace, autonomous vehicle integration, straddle carrier connectivity, augmented reality, and advanced communications for port companies.
The Port of Hamburg is Germany's largest seaport and a major European logistics hub, often referred to as the "Gateway to the World." The Port of Bremerhaven, located on the Weser River, is a key center for container shipping, automotive exports, and cruise operations, ranking as Europe's fourth-largest container port. Wilhelmshaven is Germany's only deep-water North Sea port, capable of handling large container ships, crude oil, and bulk cargo, and serving as a strategic maritime logistics and energy hub. The Port of Wismar, situated on the Baltic Sea, handles a diverse range of cargo types, with a focus on sustainability and digital innovation, supported by modern infrastructure and multimodal connections.
To advance digitalization, automation, and operational efficiency, these German ports have deployed P5G networks, which operate primarily in the industrial 3.7 to 3.8 GHz radio spectrum. These networks deliver secure, high-performance, low-latency connectivity tailored for mission-critical applications such as container terminal operations, remote equipment control, and real-time data processing.
Deployed by Deutsche Telekom and partners, including COCUS AG, and partially funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport through initiatives such as DigiTest and the Digital Test Fields in Ports program, these campus networks span large operational areas and enable exclusive bandwidth allocation and data traffic control. Operational since around spring 2024, they are a foundational part of the ports' modernization strategies, supporting greater efficiency, sustainability, and leadership in maritime digital transformation.
The Port of Barcelona is a major Mediterranean logistics hub in Spain, handling diverse cargo and cruise traffic with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. The port's P5G network became operational in mid-2024 with a five-year investment plan of USD 4.1 million. It is a standalone (SA) network deployed by MasOrange, covering the entire port area plus two nautical miles around it, and supporting maritime and port ecosystem automation with ultra-low latency and high capacity. The network enables real-time connectivity for over 400 CCTV cameras, drones for aerial surveillance, and supports coordinated communication for port police and emergency services. It also offers a reliable backup during main system failures and facilitates the quick installation of cameras and sensors in areas lacking fiber access. The network is designed to enhance security, efficiency, and innovation across port operations.
The Port of Valencia is a major Mediterranean seaport and a key hub for container traffic and international trade. In 2025, the port deployed a P5G standalone (P5G SA) network covering approximately six square miles as part of its transformation into a smart port.
The USD 7 million project, partially funded by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility, connects more than 25,000 devices, including smartphones, vehicles, drones, cameras, sensors, and security systems. Operating in the 2.3 to 2.4 GHz frequency band (n40), the network provides a secure and high-performance private communications environment, with a throughput of up to 10 Gbps and scalable bandwidth ranging from 20 to 40 MHz. Fifteen base stations deliver comprehensive coverage across the port's operational areas.
The network's private core infrastructure features geo-redundancy and advanced cybersecurity, ensuring reliability and protection for critical logistics and safety functions. The Port Authority of Valencia maintains complete control over network management, upgrades, and security policies, enabling advanced digital services such as real-time surveillance, remote maintenance via telepresence, IoT integration, and AI-powered applications.
The Port of Algeciras is Spain's largest and one of the busiest Mediterranean ports, serving as a major transshipment hub with modern facilities and a strategic location connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The port has deployed a P5G network designed to enhance safety, security, and operational efficiency across its facilities. This pilot project, developed in collaboration with Vodafone, encompasses the entire port area and supports advanced applications, including real-time video streaming for enhanced surveillance, augmented reality for geolocated asset information, and automatic vehicle guidance utilizing license plate recognition. The 5G network reduces latency and increases data transmission capacity, enabling near real-time operational visibility and facilitating remote control of processes and autonomous vehicles. It also integrates multi-access edge computing (MEC) resources to support image processing and quick access to shipping company databases, streamlining vehicle flow management. Overall, the 5G deployment improves decision-making, responsiveness, and productivity while boosting security and safety for workers and visitors.
The Port of Le Havre is France's second-largest commercial and largest container port, located at the mouth of the Seine River on the English Channel. The port has deployed a P5G network as part of the HAROPA Port group's innovation efforts, specifically through the 5G Lab initiative in partnership with Siemens, EDF, Nokia, and Hub One. This P5G network, which has been active since 2021, supports a range of advanced applications, including real-time data transmission, connected robotics, augmented reality for maintenance, autonomous vehicles, and enhanced port surveillance. It is integrated into the broader "Smart Port City" project, which aims to improve the port's competitiveness and drive digital transformation. The deployment enhances operational efficiency by enabling low-latency, high-speed connectivity, edge computing, and network slicing, allowing for tailored service quality. The French container port handling operator at Le Havre, Generale de Manutention Portuaire (GMP), has also launched its own P5G network at its Terminal de France as part of its efforts to modernize port operations, including testing connected headsets for real-time technician communication.
The Port of Aqaba is Jordan's only seaport on the Red Sea and a critical regional trade hub, featuring multiple specialized cargo terminals. In 2023, a P5G network was deployed at the port through a partnership between Orange Jordan and the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT). Leveraging Orange's licensed public spectrum, the network delivers ultra-fast, low-latency, and highly reliable connectivity tailored to the industrial port environment. It is designed to enhance operational efficiency, support automation, and enable advanced use cases aligned with the terminal's evolving needs. This deployment marks a key milestone in the port's digital transformation journey, strengthening its infrastructure, boosting regional competitiveness, and positioning Aqaba as a forward-looking hub in the maritime and logistics sectors.
Tuas Port in Singapore, officially opened in September 2022, is set to become the world's largest fully automated container terminal by the 2040s, with a planned annual capacity of 65 million TEUs. Designed for advanced automation, digitalization, and sustainability, the port strengthens Singapore's position as a leading global maritime hub.
To support Singapore's 2040 vision, the port has deployed a P5G network through a partnership between Singtel and Ericsson. Singtel provides a dedicated network slice from its public 5G infrastructure, delivering a high-performance and secure private network tailored to the port's operational needs.
The Port of Busan is South Korea's largest and a major global container port, located at the mouth of the Nakdong River. Handling over 20 million TEUs annually, it serves as a critical international logistics hub with multiple modern terminals. As part of the 'Public 5G Integrated Service Project\, the port deployed a P5G network integrated with mobile edge computing (MEC) to deliver ultra-low latency, high-speed, and secure wireless connectivity tailored for port operations. This infrastructure supports remote crane control, warehouse automation, and real-time on-site data processing, eliminating reliance on centralized servers. Operators can now manage multiple cranes simultaneously, increasing yard productivity by around 40% while improving safety. Launched in late 2021, the 5G MEC network is a cornerstone of South Korea's Korean New Deal initiative, driving digital transformation and enhancing the Port of Busan's operational efficiency and competitiveness.
The Port of Kaohsiung is Taiwan's largest commercial port and a major international transshipment hub, handling over 10 million TEUs annually and supporting key industries. In May 2025, the port operator unveiled its P5G network at Evergreen Container Terminal 7, Taiwan's first fully automated container yard. Deployed by Chunghwa Telecom, the network powers remote-controlled gantry cranes, real-time image transmission, and automated container dispatch systems. With high-speed, low-latency, and high-density connectivity, the 5G infrastructure enables intelligent, safe, and efficient container handling. Integrated with IoT and AI technologies, the network covers the entire terminal and interfaces with Evergreen's intelligent terminal operating system to enhance automation, coordination, and responsiveness. These capabilities significantly improve the productivity and safety of port logistics operations.
The Port of Laem Chabang is Thailand's largest deep-sea port, located on the Gulf of Thailand. It features modern container and general cargo terminals, serving as a significant gateway to Southeast Asia.
A P5G network has been deployed to support advanced smart port operations, including the remote control of rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes and the use of autonomous, unmanned electric yard trucks for continuous 24/7 logistics. This deployment enhanced safety by reducing high-risk onsite personnel by up to 80%, while also improving crane utilization and overall operational efficiency.
The network provides high-speed, low-latency data exchange and is integrated with the port's e-logistics platform to automate container handling from vessel arrival to final delivery. The initiative is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor's 5G readiness program, with AIS Telecom serving as a key technology partner since approximately 2020.
CentrePort in Wellington is a key maritime hub connecting New Zealand to international markets and the North and South Islands, via road, rail, and sea. CentrePoint is deploying New Zealand's first commercial P5G network in partnership with Maori-run communications provider Tu Atea, scheduled to go live in the third quarter of 2025. This private network aims to cover the port facilities with dedicated, high-speed connectivity, initially connecting dozens of tablet devices used in vehicles and cranes to help manage around 4 million tonnes of freight annually. The deployment includes several 5G high-power radio transceivers and antennas mounted on existing light-pole infrastructure, linked via a fibre optic network to Tu Atea's converged 4G and 5G packet core system. A key feature is 5G network slicing, which creates multiple virtual networks within the physical 5G network, allowing customized and secure wireless capacity for mission-critical port operations. This new network will improve productivity, security, health and safety by overcoming connectivity challenges caused by large ships and container stacks blocking signals and avoiding congestion present in public mobile and Wi-Fi networks.
P5G networks in ports deliver significant operational gains through ultra-low latency and high bandwidth, enabling real-time remote control of cranes and autonomous vehicles while enhancing worker safety. These networks offer robust and reliable coverage across vast port areas and vessels, ensuring seamless communication and data exchange. Built-in security features safeguard sensitive cargo and operational data. Compared to traditional Wi-Fi, P5G can drive long-term cost efficiencies by minimizing downtime and maintenance.
P5G also supports advanced capabilities, including network slicing, edge computing, IoT integration, and autonomous systems, laying the groundwork for ongoing digital transformation. Efficiency improvements through automation contribute to environmental goals by reducing energy consumption and emissions. Early adopters gain a competitive edge by improving productivity, safety, and innovation, which can attract investment and reinforce regional trade positions.
However, implementation is not without challenges. High upfront costs and deployment complexity often necessitate partnerships with specialized providers and careful planning. Regulatory barriers, particularly those related to spectrum access, can hinder rollout. Security management becomes increasingly complex due to a broader attack surface and the complexity of 5G architecture, necessitating advanced cybersecurity expertise. Integrating P5G with legacy systems and workflows is technically demanding, and adoption may lag in markets facing regulatory, financial, or technological hurdles. Moreover, ports must budget for ongoing operational costs and ensure teams stay up to date with evolving technical requirements.
P5G networks are rapidly emerging as a transformative enabler for the global port sector, driving significant gains in automation, efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. From China to Europe, and from North America to Southeast Asia, ports are leveraging P5G to support advanced applications, such as autonomous vehicles, remote crane operations, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring, capabilities that are increasingly vital in today's fast-moving logistics landscape.
The case studies reviewed in this report demonstrate that P5G is not merely a communications upgrade but a strategic infrastructure investment that underpins digital twin development, AI-driven decision-making, and end-to-end supply chain visibility. Ports that have embraced P5G are seeing measurable improvements in productivity, worker safety, and sustainability, while enhancing their competitiveness as trade and logistics hubs.
Nevertheless, realizing these benefits requires overcoming several structural and operational challenges. High deployment costs, regulatory complexities, particularly those related to spectrum, and integration with legacy systems remain key hurdles. Successful implementation depends on strong public-private collaboration, a clear digital strategy, and investment in workforce capabilities.
As global trade becomes more complex and sustainability pressures intensify, ports that adopt P5G as part of a broader digital transformation agenda will be best positioned to lead. For many, P5G will be the foundational layer that enables the smart, secure, and resilient ports of the future.
Phil Marshall's involvement in the mobile industry began in the late 1990s with research into CDMA-based spectrum sharing and advanced radio propagation modelling. He later moved into network construction and operations, working across 1G, 2G, and 3G networks in New Zealand, Mexico, and Indonesia, before covering 4G and 5G as an industry analyst. He is now actively researching the evolution toward 6G.
Marshall also brings deep experience in artificial intelligence and natural language processing, fields he has worked in for many years. More recently, he has combined these capabilities to develop Tolaga’s Web Analytics Platform.
Marshall is a dual citizen of the United States and New Zealand and currently resides in Auckland, New Zealand.
Contact: philip.marshall@tolaga.com