Singtel’s 5G Powers the Transformation of Singapore’s Tuas Mega Port

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Singapore is building the Tuas Mega Port to consolidate the country’s four existing terminals into one highly advanced maritime hub. Once fully operational by 2040, the facility will have 66 berths stretching over 26 kilometres, a handling capacity of 65 million TEUs, and the capability to accommodate the largest container vessels in the world. Designed to be the largest fully automated port globally, Tuas will integrate unmanned vehicles, drones, artificial intelligence, and advanced automation to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce bureaucracy, and speed up vessel turnaround. The Maritime & Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore is also deploying the Next Generation Vessel Traffic Management System and digitalPORT@SG to provide real-time situational awareness of maritime traffic and streamline administrative processes. A dedicated private 5G network will serve as the communications backbone for these systems, enabling precise, coordinated operations at scale.

Singtel, in partnership with PSA International and with Ericsson providing supporting technology, is delivering this high-performance 5G environment. At the core of the deployment is network slicing, which creates dedicated virtual network segments with guaranteed performance parameters. These slices will deliver ultra-low latency in the order of milliseconds, high bandwidth to handle large volumes of data from sensors and control systems, and the reliability needed for mission-critical applications that operate around the clock. The system design also incorporates secure private networks, configured to meet the port’s stringent cybersecurity requirements, protecting against data breaches and unauthorised access.

The infrastructure will support thousands of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) transporting containers between quay and yard, each equipped with real-time positioning systems and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications to optimise routing. Remote-controlled cranes, including automated rubber-tyred gantries (aRTGs), will leverage the 5G uplink capabilities and sub-10 millisecond latency to allow operators in central control facilities to execute precision container stacking and retrieval without the delays or jitter associated with traditional wireless systems. Singtel’s trials at Pasir Panjang Port have already demonstrated a 50% reduction in network latency compared to 4G, with mid-band 3.5 GHz achieving minimum latencies of 10 ms and mmWave bands delivering uplink speeds exceeding 140 Mbps.

Beyond cargo handling, 5G will underpin predictive maintenance systems. Drones equipped with high-resolution imaging and extended reality interfaces will inspect cranes, yard equipment, and quay infrastructure. The data, streamed in real time over the network, will be processed by AI models to detect anomalies and recommend maintenance interventions before failures occur. This capability will reduce costly downtime, improve safety, and extend the operational life of equipment. The secure low-latency network will also enable remote operations, minimising the number of personnel required in high-risk areas such as the quay and improving overall safety.

By integrating ultra-reliable 5G communications with automation, analytics, and AI, Singtel is helping to transform Tuas Mega Port into a hyperconnected logistics hub. The result will be higher throughput, optimised resource utilisation, and a resilient platform for future innovations, securing Singapore’s leadership in global transshipment for decades to come.

Singtel recently shared an Infographic on 'Smarter, faster port operations with 5G precision' which is available here.

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