News
19th March 2024
[Port of Tyne, UK, 19th March 2024] – The Port of Tyne, one of the UK’s leading deep-sea ports, is proud to announce that it 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 maritime industry.
This ground-breaking 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:
The North East’s inaugural 5GIR project aims to drive innovation and unlock opportunities for economic growth through making use of world-class digital infrastructure.
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.
Commenting on the announcement, 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.”
Jo added: “Streamlined operations, improved safety and sustainability are just a few of the benefits this project will bring. Seamless connectivity will enable us to link shipping companies, logistics providers and regulatory bodies from across the globe, leading to more effective collaborations to address global challenges such as climate change and cybersecurity threats.”
Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor Tracey Dixon, said: “This milestone represents a significant step forward in our Council’s commitment to innovation, efficiency and sustainability.
“Connecting residents to jobs is one of the five key ambitions of our 2023-2043 South Tyneside Vision, with the intention that residents will have access to good quality jobs, skills and learning. This project will help to grow the Port, maritime and creative industries across the region, offering more employment opportunities for residents.
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.”
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Key benefits of the Port’s transition to a 5G port, include:
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About the North East’s 5GIR projects