Nokia has completed the first phase of its deployment of a 5G-ready private wireless network for the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium. When completed, the port will have private wireless connectivity to more than 100 end-points across the port’s entire operations. The aim is not only to improve operational performance, but to lay the basis for the digital transformation of the port.

According to Nokia, successful deployment of the Nokia private wireless network will allow Zeebrugge to track, analyse and manage connected devices across multiple port-based applications in real time. The company says that an end-to-end, high-performance 5G-ready network will accelerate port innovation and automation with deployment of IoT, autonomous vehicles, augmented reality and drones.

The network is now being used for connectivity with tugboats, air pollution detectors, security cameras and quay sensors. Its high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity will also be utilised during the upcoming construction of a new sea lock and during building and maintenance of offshore wind farms. Phase one has established increased automation in Zeebrugge’s outer port area. Phase two, due for completion in mid-2020 will focus on the inner port.

Rick Goetinck, CEO, Port of Zeebrugge said: “Introduction of an advanced private wireless network will act as a beacon for our partners to develop and deliver new solutions right across the logistics value chain. Nokia, in close collaboration with local service provider Citymesh, has demonstrated outstanding 5G capabilities during platform deployment, making phase one a complete success.”

Stephan Litjens, General Manager, Nokia Digital Automation said: “By deploying a Nokia 5G-ready digital automation platform with a private wireless network, the Port of Zeebrugge brings high-performance connectivity and digitalisation to enhance safety, accelerate innovation, enable advanced applications and deliver new levels of logistics performance.”

Several external suppliers have also signed up to the network, which will be used by port-based companies for dispatching, connectivity with straddle carriers, track and trace systems and integrated communications.

Goetinck added: “The introduction of a 5G-ready platform at the port of Zeebrugge brings benefits to a wide range of stakeholders across local enterprises, ancillary shipping businesses and government. The Port of Zeebrugge is an ultra-modern logistics centre that serves European and intercontinental markets, and our investment in hyper fast connectivity can only improve the competitive position of our port.”

Nokia has partnered closely with Citymesh to deliver the private wireless network, and it will continue to assist with end-to-end support and network commercialisation.