Nokia has completed the first phase of the Port of Zeebrugge’s 5G-ready, industrial-grade private wireless network deployment.
By deploying the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud platform, an industrial-grade global digital automation service platform, Nokia will provide private wireless connectivity to more than 100 endpoints across the entire port operations. This will enable Zeebrugge to deliver a range of new services.
Following successful deployment of the Nokia private wireless network, Zeebrugge will be able to track, analyse and manage connected devices across multiple port-based applications in real time. The 5G-ready network will accelerate port innovation and automation with deployment of IoT, autonomous vehicles, augmented reality and drones, according to Nokia.
Rick Goetinck, CEO of Port of Zeebrugge, said: “Nokia, in close collaboration with local service provider Citymesh, has demonstrated outstanding 5G capabilities during platform deployment, making phase one a complete success.”
The network is now being used for connectivity with tugboats, air pollution detectors, security cameras and quay sensors. Its connectivity will also be leveraged during the upcoming construction of a new sea lock and during building and maintenance of offshore wind farms. Nokia says that phase one has established increased automation in Zeebrugge’s outer port area and phase two, due for completion in mid-2020, will focus on the inner port.
Stephan Litjens, general manager of Nokia Digital Automation, commented, “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.
