The Port of Tyne, one of the UK’s leading deep-sea ports, has been awarded a £1.159million contract with South Tyneside Council to launch 5G-enabled ‘smart port’ operations.
This announcement cements the Port’s transformative plans to evolve into a 5G-enabled port, ushering in a new era of connectivity and innovation in the North East maritime industry.
The investment in a port-wide private 5G network positions the Port of Tyne as a pioneer in the UK, primed to grow and positively impact local communities.
The funding forms part of The Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) 5G Innovation Regions (5GIR) £37M grant, of which the seven North East local authorities (LA7) successfully bid to receive over £3.7million to support this and three other 5G and advanced wireless connectivity projects across the North East. These activities support 5G and advanced wireless connectivity as key components of the regional digital strategy to build on the key strengths of the region.
The four projects are 5G-enabled port operations, connected intelligent transport systems, 5G-enabled event production and 360º live broadcasting and advanced wireless sensor technology on farms.
The 5G Port of Tyne project will demonstrate how better digital connectivity can help to drive growth. It will involve 5G cameras and IoT sensors to inspect the port estate, boosting efficiency and reducing fuel usage.
Setting a precedent across the industry, this will enable ports across the country to drive forward plans to become all-electric and reduce environmental impact, whilst enhancing competitiveness and improving safety.
With the deployment of 5G infrastructure throughout its facilities, the Port of Tyne is poised to reap a multitude of benefits that will enhance operational efficiency, safety and sustainability across its operations.
Key benefits of the Port’s transition to a 5G port, include increased competitiveness, faster data transfer speeds, low latency communication, enhanced automation and robotics, improved safety and security, remote operations, and environmental monitoring.
Dr Jo North, director of technology and transformation at Port of Tyne, said: “As we embrace the digital transformation of the maritime industry, the Port of Tyne is proud to lead the way as a 5G-enabled port. We have already invested in a port-wide private 5G network, and this contract will further enhance our capacity to implement innovative opportunities for sustainable growth, benefiting the communities in North and South Tyneside.”
Patrick Melia, chief executive at Sunderland City Council and digital lead officer for the new North East Combined Authority, added: “We are delighted to be leading on this project, the first of four projects as an official Innovation Region, and utilising our experience of rolling out 5G networks to enhance operations, competitiveness, and opportunities at the Port.
“This is not just of significance to the Port and the wider North East region in establishing a national centre of excellence for the development and adoption of 5G, but also to the wider industry to accelerate the economic, social and wellbeing impact of advanced digital connectivity through rapid adoption and scale-up across key sectors.”
